As summer temperatures soar, finding a good distraction is essential, and what better way to beat the heat than with a good comedy movie? Amazon Prime Video offers a delightful selection of comedies that are sure to lift your spirits and bring genuine laughter. From timeless classics to modern gems, these five comedy movies on Prime Video are the perfect remedy for your summer blues.
The Apartment (1960)
Runtime: 125m | Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Cast: Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Fred MacMurray | Director: Billy Wilder
Considered one of the greatest comedies ever made, The Apartment, directed by Billy Wilder, offers a delightful mix of comedy, drama, and romance. The film centers around C.C. “Bud” Baxter (Jack Lemmon), a lowly insurance company employee who allows his higher-ups to use his apartment for their secret affairs. While the premise may sound unconventional, the film masterfully weaves a heartwarming love story amidst the comical situations.
Despite some darker moments, the central performances of Shirley MacLaine as Fran Kubelik and Jack Lemmon as C.C. Baxter shine through, leaving the audience with a warm feeling in their hearts. The witty dialogue, visual panache, and clever storytelling of The Apartment have made it an enduring classic that continues to charm audiences even decades after its release.
The Big Sick (2017)
Runtime: 120m | Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Cast: Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter | Director: Michael Showalter
The Big Sick, based on comedian Kumail Nanjiani and his wife Emily V. Gordon’s true story, offers a fresh and distinctive take on the romantic comedy genre. Kumail, portraying a fictional version of himself, meets Emily (Zoe Kazan) and the two begin dating. However, their relationship faces a major challenge when Emily suddenly falls into an unexplained coma after they break up.
The film’s distinct narrative structure, combining romance, drama, and humor, sets it apart from traditional rom-com. The standout performances of Holly Hunter and Ray Romano as Emily’s parents add depth and emotion to the story. The Big Sick’s sharp writing, coupled with its heartfelt exploration of love, family, and cultural differences, makes it a compelling and memorable watch.
Hot Fuzz (2007)
Runtime: 121m | Genre: Crime, Action, Comedy
Cast: Nick Frost, Simon Pegg, Jim Broadbent | Director: Edgar Wright
The second film in Edgar Wright’s Cornetto trilogy, Hot Fuzz is a brilliant blend of crime, action, and comedy. Simon Pegg stars as Nicholas Angel, a dedicated and by-the-book police officer, who is transferred to a seemingly idyllic town in the western country of the U.K. However, he soon discovers a series of bizarre and grisly murders that point to a larger conspiracy involving some of the town’s influential figures.
While Hot Fuzz could have been a serious crime drama, Edgar Wright’s skillful direction infuses the movie with a relentless barrage of humor and clever visual gags. Simon Pegg’s impeccable comedic timing and chemistry with co-star Nick Frost (playing Danny Butterman) add to the film’s charm. With its fast-paced action and witty humor, Hot Fuzz has become a beloved cult classic and a standout comedy of its time.
The Lost City (2022)
Runtime: 112m | Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe | Director: Adam Nee, Aaron Nee
The Lost City stars Sandra Bullock as a romance novelist named Sharon, and Channing Tatum as the cover model of her book, named Jeff. When Sharon finds herself thrust into a real-life adventure to recover a lost artifact, she and Jeff must work together to survive. This action-adventure comedy takes the audience on an exhilarating journey filled with humor, thrilling action sequences, and unexpected twists.
The film’s witty dialogue and playful chemistry between Bullock and Tatum add to the overall enjoyment. Additionally, Daniel Radcliffe’s standout performance as the villain adds an extra layer of excitement to the story. The Lost City offers a perfect blend of comedy and adventure, making it an entertaining and engaging watch.
Licorice Pizza (2021)
Runtime: 133m | Genre: Drama, Comedy
Cast: Alana Haim, Cooper Hoffman, Sean Penn | Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Set in the early 1970s in the San Fernando Valley, Licorice Pizza centers on the relationship between Gary Valentine (Cooper Hoffman), a teenage boy, and Alana Kane (Alana Haim), a 20-something woman. The film follows their respective journeys as they navigate the complexities of coming of age.
While Licorice Pizza may appear to be more serious compared to other comedies, its greatness lies in its light-hearted storytelling and vibrant portrayal of life in the 1970s. Director Paul Thomas Anderson skillfully weaves a tapestry of vignettes, capturing the essence of the era. The charming and natural performances of Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman bring the characters to life, making the movie a joy to watch.