As the holiday season settles in, offering a respite from a year of hard work, there's no better remedy than a hearty laugh. Comedy films provide the perfect escape, and this season brings a fantastic mix of fresh releases and upcoming titles packed with chaos, fun, and guaranteed humour for everyone. Whether you're planning a solo binge or a family movie night, these picks promise to deliver pure entertainment.
Fresh Laughs: New and Upcoming Comedy Releases
The cinematic landscape is bright with new comedies that blend genres and deliver unique stories. Leading the pack is 'Thelma,' a poignant comedy-drama featuring a 93-year-old protagonist, Thelma Post. After being scammed out of $10,000, she embarks on an unexpected adventure across Los Angeles with a friend to reclaim her money. This film beautifully explores themes of ageing and independence with a generous dose of humour.
Another standout is 'Good Fortune,' marking the feature directorial debut of Aziz Ansari. This supernatural comedy boasts a stellar cast including Seth Rogen, Keke Palmer, Sandra Oh, and Keanu Reeves. It follows a guardian angel who switches the lives of a struggling filmmaker and a wealthy investor, offering absurd and heartfelt laughs about the true meaning of happiness.
For fans of outright parody, 'The Naked Gun' reboot arrives with Liam Neeson stepping into the role of Lieutenant Frank Drebin Jr. Expect the franchise's signature slapstick fights, ridiculous disguises, and chaotic plots as Frank tries to thwart a billionaire's evil scheme.
Dark Humour and Hilarious Sequels
Several films this season masterfully blend comedy with darker themes. 'Deep Cover' follows a stand-up comedian and her improv students who get tangled in undercover police work, leading to a brilliantly improvised comedy of errors. Similarly, 'Novocaine' is a dark comedy about a man who cannot feel pain, finding himself in the middle of a botched bank robbery, navigating bizarre obstacles with hilarious results.
The beloved body-swap franchise returns with 'Freakier Friday (2025),' a sequel that brings chaotic family dynamics to a new generation. For a satirical take on corporate life, the South Korean black comedy 'No Other Choice (2025)' follows a papermaking industry veteran through absurd job competitions. It is set for a US release on Christmas Day, with a wider global release in January 2026.
Animated Fun and Binge-Worthy Series
Family audiences can look forward to 'The Bad Guys 2,' DreamWorks' animated sequel about reformed criminals, packed with heists and antics. For those who enjoy series, 'Deli Boys' is a fast-paced Pakistani-American comedy about brothers inheriting a criminal empire, while 'Bad Monkey,' based on Carl Hiaasen's novel, is a crime drama laced with satire about corruption in South Florida.
Finally, Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another' offers a dark comedy thriller about revolutionaries facing absurd challenges, blending political satire with unsettling humour. This diverse lineup ensures that no matter your taste, there is a perfect comedy waiting to make your holiday season brighter.
