There might be nowhere to go…
But there’s plenty to see, and our favourite streaming services have been upping the ante during lockdown to keep us entertained. From blockbusters that are fresh out of the cinema, to the absolute classics, check out Secret Manchester’s guide to some of the best comedies available to stream – sure to lighten up your Christmas break this weekend.
1. Shaun of the Dead, NowTV
We can all probably relate to Shaun of the Dead in some form or another at the moment. Normal guy gets on with life. Normal guy gets disturbed by a country-wide apocalypse. Normal guy has to hide to protect himself and his loved ones. It all sounds pretty familiar, huh? The instant classic starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost is now available to stream on NowTV (as well as its non-zombie counterparts, Hot Fuzz and The World’s End), and it’s just as hilarious as we remember it being 15 years ago.
2. Long Shot, Netflix
Fondly dubbed the best rom-com of 2019 by critics, Long Shot didn’t quite attract the audiences it had hoped to when it premiered in cinemas, but that doesn’t mean it’s one to overlook. Starring unlikely duo Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron, the film follows a free-spirited journalist and a high-flying presidential candidate as they navigate her presidential campaign, despite their obvious differences. In true Seth Rogen fashion, you can expect R-rated humour, satire, and of course, a happy ending. Long Shot is available on Netflix.
3. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, NowTV
Step Brothers might have been the pairs big hitter, but Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly’s on-screen brotherhood actually began with Talladega Nights. Featuring the kind of OTT humour you’d expect from a Will Ferrell movie, the story follows NASCAR racing sensation Ricky Bobby as he battles for the top spot with nemesis Jean Girard (Sacha Baron Cohen). While there’s no rendition of Por Ti Volare, there are some real laugh-out-loud moments – making it perfect for weekend viewing. Talladega Nights, Step Brothers, The Other Guys and Anchorman are all available to watch on NowTV if you fancy a binge-fest of Will Ferrell’s best movies.
4. Hunt For The Wilderpeople, Amazon Prime
One of Taika Waititi’s biggest successes so far (alongside What We Do In The Shadows), Hunt For The Wilderpeople stars Sam Neill and Julian Denninson in a story about a rebellious kid and his foster carer, who go on the run from child protective services in the wilderness of New Zealand. The odd duo is incredibly lovable, and it’s an uplifting coming-of-age tale for those looking for something to cheer them up. Expect to feel all the emotions on this woodland rollercoaster, from sad, to happy, to crying with laughter. Hunt For The Wilderpeople and vampire mockumentary What We Do In The Shadows are both available to stream on Amazon Prime.
5. Snatch, Netflix
Guy Ritchie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels was such a hit, it would have been sacrilege to not follow it up with the now-classic Snatch. In fact, audiences loved Lock, Stock… so much, that Brad Pitt actually personally requested to be a part of the famed director’s follow-up. The film follows illegal boxing promotor Turkish (Jason Statham), who convinces a gangster to offer bets on a bare-knuckle boxer called Mickey (Brad Pitt). When Mickey doesn’t throw his fight as planned, however, a series of dramatic events between the gangsters and the gypsies ensues. Snatch is now streaming on Netflix.
6. Jojo Rabbit, Amazon Prime
You’re probably wondering how a movie set in Nazi Germany constitutes as a comedy, but somehow, Taika Waititi blows it out of the park. Premiering just a few months ago in cinemas, the film stars Taika Waititi, Scarlett Johansson and Roman Griffin Davis, and it’s now available to watch on Amazon Prime. The story follows young Jojo – a Nazi fanatic who catches his mother hiding a Jewish girl in their home. Undoubtedly one of the most loveable movies of the past year, the story incites tears, laughter and a glowing, heartwarming feeling that’ll move even the most cold-hearted of us.
7. Superbad, Netflix
A movie taking inspiration from Seth Rogen’s own life was always going to be a hit, so it’s no surprise that Superbad went down as one of the best comedies of all time quickly after it premiered. Starring Jonah Hill, Michael Cera and Christopher Mintz-Plasse, the widely-quoted movie follows two co-dependent seniors who want to experience high school life to the fullest before they split and go off to different colleges. Things naturally go awry, and the boys learn a few valuable life lessons along the way. Superbad is on Netflix now.
8. Always Be My Maybe, Netflix
A true guilty pleasure, Netflix Original Always Be My Maybe boasts an extremely likeable cast, with Ali Wong, Randall Park and even blockbuster-regular Keanu Reeves starring. The rom-com follows two childhood sweethearts who part ways for 15 years, building completely different lives in the meantime. And in true rom-com style, the pair reconnect after over a decade apart – but problems arise when they realise their lifestyles are significantly incompatible. You can watch Always Be My Maybe on Netflix now.
9. Booksmart, Amazon Prime
One of 2019’s most-loved exports, Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut is a refreshing coming-of-age story that isn’t short of laughs. A pair of “overachievers” realise they’ve been missing out on the biggest experiences of highschool the night before graduation, before embarking on an epic journey to make up for lost time. Cramming four years worth of experiences into one night? What could go wrong? Booksmart is available on Amazon Prime now.
10. Austin Powers: The Spy Who Sha**ed Me, NowTV
It wouldn’t be a comedy list without Michael Myer’s iconic franchise, Austin Powers. Silly, raunchy, and mostly downright ridiculous, the spy parody is just as much of an easy laugh as it was back in the 90s. And while the first instalment isn’t available to stream, fans can catch Austin Powers: The Spy Who Sha**ed Me and Goldmember (which also stars Beyoncé) on NowTV now.