The Top 15 Best Comedies Streaming on HBO Max: Uncover the Hilarious Gems Now

Get ready to laugh out loud with HBO Max's top comedies! With an incredible movie library, you'll be entertained for hours. Don't miss out on the best streaming comedies available now.

By Khushi Srivastava

Updated on Jul 18, 2023 | 06:16 PM IST | 3M

Best comedies on hbo max

Looking for a dose of laughter? HBO Max has got you covered with a stellar collection of comedic gems. With hilarious films ranging from Melissa McCarthy's side-splitting performances to '90s favorites like The First Wives Club, there's something for everyone. Whether you crave physical comedy or clever social commentary, HBO Max has just what you need. So sit back, relax, and let the laughter wash over you as you indulge in the 15 best comedies available on HBO Max. Get ready to chuckle your way to a good time!

1. 13 Going on 30 (2004)

Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Star Cast: Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer, Andy Serkis, Kathy Baker, Phil Reeves
Director: Gary Winick
Writer: Gary Winick
Run time: 1 hr 38 min
Year of release: 2004
OTT Platform: HBO Max
IMDb rating: 6.3/10

13 Going on 30 is a modern rom-com that has won over many people. One of the reasons for its popularity is its lovable cast, including Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, who make the cutest rom-com duo of the 21st century. Supporting actors like Judy Greer and Andy Serkis add to the charm. The film taps into our fantasies about the lives we wish we had and teaches us not to take things for granted. It tells the story of a 13-year-old girl who wakes up as her 30-year-old self and realizes her priorities may be wrong. Garner's performance is as delightful as Will Ferrell in Elf and Tom Hanks in Big, and her chemistry with Ruffalo is a treat. It's one of the best feel-good movies of the 21st century and a joy to watch from start to finish.

2. Stepbrothers (2008)

Genre: Comedy
Star Cast: Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Mary Steenburgen
Director: Adam McKay
Writer: Adam McKay
Run time: 1 hr 38 min
Year of release: 2008
OTT Platform: HBO Max
IMDb rating: 6.9/10

Stepbrothers is a hilarious comedy co-written and directed by Adam McKay. It's about two grown men, played by Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, who became stepbrothers when their parents get married. They end up living together and wreaking havoc on their parents' lives in the most absurd ways possible. The movie is filled with quotable lines that will make you feel like you're best friends with the main characters. Alongside Ferrell and Reilly, the film also stars funny actors like Adam Scott, Kathryn Hahn, Richard Jenkins, and Mary Steenburgen. Get ready for a wild and wacky comedy about family, where even bunk beds aren't safe from their mischief.

3. The Last Word (2017)

Genre: Drama/Comedy
Star Cast: Shirley MacLaine, Amanda Seyfried, AnnJewel Lee Dixon
Director: Mark Pellington
Writer: Mark Pellington
Run time: 1 hr 48 min
Year of release: 2017
OTT Platform: HBO Max
IMDb rating: 6.6/10

"The Last Word" is a delightful comedy starring Shirley MacLaine and Amanda Seyfried. It's about a successful businesswoman named Harriet who hires a journalist named Anne to write her obituary while she's still alive. As the story unfolds, Harriet and Anne develop a close bond and learn valuable lessons about pursuing their dreams, showing kindness to others, and realizing the impact we have on the world around us. MacLaine and Seyfried's chemistry is fantastic, making this film a heartwarming reminder of how precious life can be.

4. Jennifer’s Body (2009)

Genre: Horror/Comedy
Star Cast: Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, Adam Brody, Johnny Simmons, J.K. Simmons
Director: Karyn Kusama
Writer: Karyn Kusama
Run time: 1 hr 42 min
Year of release: 2009
OTT Platform: HBO Max
IMDb rating: 5.4/10

Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried starred together in the movie called "Jennifer's Body," a clever and dark comedy written by Diablo Cody, who also wrote "Juno." When it was released, the movie didn't get the recognition it deserved. However, "Jennifer's Body" tells an original story that breaks expectations in the horror genre. The director, Karyn Kusama, explores themes of sexuality, femininity, and the right to control one's own body. By using a demonic metaphor, the movie challenges traditional ideas and includes an unexplored queer romance and a story about female friendship. The writing is brilliant, and the performances are worthy of awards. Over time, "Jennifer's Body" has become a cult classic and is gaining popularity.

5. Horrible Bosses (2011)

Genre: Comedy
Star Cast: Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell
Director: Seth Gordon
Writer: Seth Gordon
Run time: 1 hr 46 min
Year of release: 2011
OTT Platform: HBO Max
IMDb rating: 6.9/10

Horrible Bosses is a hilarious comedy with a top-notch cast including Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis. The story revolves around three close friends who are fed up with their jobs and their terrible bosses, who are not only demanding but sometimes even dangerous. In an act of rebellion, they decide to quit their jobs and seek help from a mysterious criminal played by Jamie Foxx. Their plan? To murder their bosses. The movie strikes a balance between dark humor and mainstream comedy, and despite the characters' questionable actions, the talented actors make it easy to root for the three friends. Jennifer Aniston also delivers a standout performance as Day's boss, a dentist with a wild and sex-crazed personality. While the movie offers plenty of fun, it's not suitable for the whole family.

6. Garden State (2004)

Genre: Romance/Comedy
Star Cast: Zack Braff, Natalie Portman, Steve Zahn, Peter Saarsgard, Ian Holm
Director: Zack Braff
Writer: Zack Braff
Run time: 1 hr 42 min
Year of release: 2004
OTT Platform: HBO Max
IMDb rating: 7.4/10

Do you remember when those indie comedies about actors going back to their hometowns were fresh? Garden State had a lot of imitators, but it still has its own charm. Zack Braff, the director, doesn't just use the film to show off; he's not afraid to be vulnerable and pathetic, and he actually gives one of his better performances. Natalie Portman is incredibly charming in it, and we also get to see the late Ian Holm deliver a great performance as Braff's father. Garden State is, at the very least, a nostalgic trip into the music of the early 2000s.

7. 50 First Dates (2004)

Genre: Romance/Comedy
Star Cast: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Rob Schneider, Sean Astin, and Dan Aykroyd
Director: Peter Segal
Writer: Peter Segal
Run time: 1 hr 39 min
Year of release: 2004
OTT Platform: HBO Max
IMDb rating: 6.8/10

"50 First Dates," a romantic comedy released in 2004, is a wonderful Adam Sandler film. It is set in Hawaii and tells the story of a veterinarian (Sandler) who meets a charming young woman (Drew Barrymore) and has a delightful day together. However, the next day, he discovers that she suffers from short-term memory loss, and she doesn't remember him. Every day, her memory resets, so Sandler's character endeavors to win her over and build a relationship with her, repeatedly. The movie is incredibly heartwarming, and the chemistry between Barrymore and Sandler is fantastic.

8. We’re the Millers (2013)

Genre: Crime/Comedy
Star Cast: Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Emma Roberts, Will Poulter
Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber
Writer: Rawson Marshall Thurber
Run time: 1 hr 50 min
Year of release: 2013
OTT Platform: HBO Max
IMDb rating: 7/10

"We're the Millers" is a hilarious family comedy directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber. It's about a lazy drug dealer named Jason Sudeikis (from "Ted Lasso") who has to smuggle a lot of weed from Mexico into the US. To make the job look less suspicious, he recruits a fake family made up of local teenagers pretending to be his and Rose's (Jennifer Aniston) kids. The movie has an amazing cast, including Emma Roberts, Will Poulter, and Kathryn Hahn (from "WandaVision"), and although it's incredibly funny, it also surprisingly has a lot of heart.

9. Father of the Bride (2022)

Genre: Romance/Comedy
Star Cast: Andy Garcia, Gloria Estefan, Adria Arjona, Diego Boneta
Director: Gary Alazraki
Writer: Gary Alazraki
Run time: 1 hr 57 min
Year of release: 2022
OTT Platform: HBO Max
IMDb rating: 5.9/10

Andy Garcia and Gloria Estefan team up for a hilarious and modern version of the classic film Father of the Bride. In this remake, they play a couple struggling with their relationship and impending divorce while trying to plan their daughter's wedding, played by Adria Arjona. The comedy ensues as they clash with their soon-to-be in-laws, who have their own set of traditional family expectations. This new take on Father of the Bride brings much-needed laughs and relatable moments to the screen.

10. Let Them All Talk (2020)

Genre: Drama/Comedy
Star Cast: Meryl Streep, Gemma Chan, Dianne Wiest, Candice Bergen
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Writer: Steven Soderbergh
Run time: 1 hr 53 min
Year of release: 2020
OTT Platform: HBO Max
IMDb rating: 6.1/10

Meryl Streep, Dianne Wiest, and Candice Bergen star in Let Them All Talk, a film directed by Steven Soderbergh. The story revolves around three lifelong friends named Alice, Susan, and Roberta, played by Streep, Wiest, and Bergen respectively. The trio embarks on a cruise to rebuild their friendship and mend old wounds. While Alice focuses on writing her new book, her nephew and literary agent, portrayed by Lucas Hedges and Gemma Chan, join the trip to uncover details about her latest work. Let Them All Talk, written by Deborah Eisenberg, explores themes such as friendship, forgiveness, and maintaining connections amidst life's changes.

11. French Dispatch (2021)

Genre: Drama/Comedy
Star Cast: Benicio Del Toro, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton
Director: Wes Anderson
Writer: Wes Anderson
Run time: 1 hr 47 min
Year of release: 2021
OTT Platform: HBO Max
IMDb rating: 7.1/10

Wes Anderson has a distinct style that is easily recognizable in his latest film, The French Dispatch. The movie stands out for its unique visuals and captivating storytelling. It features a star-studded cast, including familiar faces like Adrien Brody from Succession and Tilda Swinton from Avengers: Endgame. The French Dispatch is set in a fictional French city and revolves around a fictional magazine called The French Dispatch. The film beautifully captures Anderson's signature use of color and scenery, and he skillfully brings together a talented ensemble without overwhelming the audience. The French Dispatch seamlessly fits alongside Anderson's previous works, showcasing his versatility in the world of cinema.

12. The Heat (2013)

Genre: Action/Comedy
Star Cast: Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy, Michael McDonald
Director: Paul Feig
Writer: Paul Feig
Run time: 1 hr 57 min
Year of release: 2013
OTT Platform: HBO Max
IMDb rating: 5.6/10

Director Paul Feig brings his uproarious humor to The Heat, a hilarious buddy cop comedy featuring Sandra Bullock (The Lost City) and Melissa McCarthy (Nine Perfect Strangers). They play an unlikely duo who must join forces to bring down a dangerous drug lord. The movie is filled with physical comedy, which both Bullock and McCarthy excel at, making it a truly delightful and underrated gem. Bullock's character, an uptight FBI agent, feels like a perfect blend of her roles in Miss Congeniality 2 and The Proposal. McCarthy's character, a loud and crude Boston cop, is a natural progression of her beloved over-the-top characters. While the script by writer Katie Dippold may be a bit simple, the premise is cute and still enjoyable.

13. My Cousin Vinny (1992)

Genre: Comedy
Star Cast: Joe Pesci, Ralph Macchio, Marisa Tomei
Director: Jonathan Lynn
Writer: Jonathan Lynn
Run time: 1 hr 59 min
Year of release: 1992
OTT Platform: HBO Max
IMDb rating: 7.6/10

"My Cousin Vinny" is a delightful movie that effortlessly blends a courtroom drama with a hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy. The film revolves around two New Yorkers who find themselves wrongly accused of murder in Alabama. In their desperate situation, they turn to Ralph Macchio's cousin Vinny, brilliantly played by Joe Pesci. Vinny is a lawyer who has just passed the bar and is more accustomed to handling small cases in Brooklyn, not high-stakes murder trials in a different state. Watching Pesci navigate the legal complexities with his unique and slightly irritating charm is pure entertainment. Marisa Tomei's outstanding performance as Vinny's sparring partner and love interest adds even more brilliance to the film. She rightfully won an Oscar for her role, showcasing the incredible chemistry between her and Pesci. "My Cousin Vinny" is a timeless gem that combines the best of courtroom drama and comedy in a way that is rarely seen in today's films.

14. A Hard Day's Night (1964)

Genre: Romance/Comedy
Star Cast: Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, John Lennon, Wilfrid Brambell
Director: Richard Lester
Writer: Richard Lester
Run time: 1 hr 30 min
Year of release: 1964
OTT Platform: HBO Max
IMDb rating: 7.5/10

The Beatles were not just the best rock band ever; they were also incredibly funny. In Richard Lester's film, A Hard Day's Night, each of the Beatles, especially Ringo, got to showcase their personalities, acting skills, and comedic talent. The movie is filled with great songs and still-entertaining comedy scenes. A year later, Lester and the band teamed up again for Help!, which was more lighthearted, but A Hard Day's Night remains the gold-standard rock and roll film for a reason.

15. The Hangover (2009)

Genre: Comedy
Star Cast: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Heather Graham, Ken Jeong, Rob Riggle, Mike Epps, Mike Tyson
Director: Todd Phillips
Writer: Todd Phillips
Run time: 1 hr 36 min
Year of release: 2009
OTT Platform: HBO Max
IMDb rating: 7.7/10

The Hangover is a really popular R-rated comedy from its time. It's about three friends named Phil, Stu, and Doug, along with Doug's anxious brother-in-law, Alan. They go to Las Vegas for a bachelor party. The problem is, they wake up the next morning feeling awful from being hungover and they can't remember anything from the night before. To make matters worse, Doug is missing. The movie is full of crazy things like drug-dealers, a tiger, Mike Tyson singing Phil Collins songs, a missing tooth, and a stripper's lost baby. It's all about having a wild time in Las Vegas, the City of Sin.

Also read: From Bridesmaids to Clueless, Here are 50 best comedy movies