The best comedies of 2019 reveal a genre in need of a jolt of life. Perhaps it’s because of the dire state of the world, but, taken as a whole, the collection of the best comedies of 2019 feels a little slight when compared to the same grouping from other years. However, this is not to imply that almost all of the best comedies of 2019 won’t be remembered in 2029. Standouts include Olivia Wilde’s critically beloved darling “Booksmart,” with breakthrough performances from Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein, Eddie Murphy’s glorious return to form in “Dolemite is My Name,” and a film with a darkly comic streak that uses Adam Sandler’s gifts in a new way.
Ultimately, the best comedies of 2019 illustrate that more quality laugh-earners are coming from the indie circuit than the blockbuster one, unless that is you’re an animated film, as indicated by the inclusion of new works from Disney, Pixar, and Laika. Collectively, the films we gave 3.5-4 stars that could be considered comedies are included below, with links to read individual reviews published by our staff of writers on the day of each film’s first release in theaters or on streaming.
Great Movies
