2019 is quickly coming to an end, which means it’s time to look back, not only on the past year but the decade that was the 2010s. In terms of movies, the 2010s were filled with soon-to-be classics from all kinds of genre. Specifically, in comedy, we saw some hugely successful hits like Deadpool and Bridesmaids. But what about those great comedies of the decades that didn’t get the love they deserved?
There are so many hidden gems from the 2010s and plenty of hilarious and brilliant comedies just waiting to be discovered. If you’re looking for a good laugh as the new year approaches, check out some of the films you might have missed. Here are the most underrated comedies of the 2010s.
Goon (2011)
It’s no surprise that a hockey comedy didn’t break box-office records, but Goon is a movie that should find an audience someday. The movie stars Seann William Scott as a friendly and simple man who happens to be good at beating people up. This leads him to an unexpected career as an enforcer on a Canadian hockey team.
The movie is a charming and entertaining movie, despite all the blood and it is filled with laugh-out-loud moments. Scott makes for a lovable hero and Liev Schreiber has a great supporting role as his aging rival. It is great fun and should please hockey fans and non-hockey fans alike.
Hail, Caesar! (2016)
The Coen Brothers are capable of making some incredibly dark films, but they are also responsible for some truly great comedies, like The Big Lebowski and Raising Arizona. Hail, Caesar! is another one of their greats even if audiences didn’t embrace it like their other films.
The star-studded period piece is set in 1950s Hollywood with Josh Brolin playing a beleaguered studio executive dealing with multiple problems like a pregnant starlet, a miscast cowboy, and a kidnapped leading man. The scene between Alden Ehrenreich and Ralph Fiennes is one of the funniest movie moments of the decade.
Blockers (2018)
Blockers is an unexpected gem starring Leslie Mann, John Cena, and Ike Barinholtz as a group of parents trying to prevent their daughters from losing their virginity on prom night. The premise might have steered some audiences away, but it was a surprisingly hilarious and touching movie.
The three leads are incredibly effective as the ridiculous parents and their misadventures throughout the night are hilarious. The movie also deals with the subject matter in a fresh and smart way, revealing a surprising amount of heart as well.
Thunder Road (2018)
Thunder Road is an independent comedy and probably the smallest film on this list, but well-worth seeking out. The film stars Jim Cummings, who also wrote and directed the project, as a police officer and divorced father dealing with the aftermath of his mother’s death.
Though the premise makes it sound like a most more depressing, Cummings injects the story with bizarre and darkly humorous energy. From the unforgettable opening scene set at a funeral, it’s clear this is an unusual movie. And Cummings gives one of the best, more unhinged comedic performances of the decade.
Get Him To The Greek (2010)
Get Him to the Greek is a spin-off film from Forgetting Sarah Marshall. But despite that film’s success, this one didn’t get as much attention. The film stars Jonah Hill as an inexperienced record executive who is tasked with escorting wild rock star Aldous Snow (Russell Brand) to his comeback show.
The movie is a wild road trip movie with a huge amount of energy throughout. The set pieces are incredibly funny and the two stars have great chemistry together. The biggest surprise is Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs who steals the show as Hill’s intense boss.
Four Lions (2010)
If more people had seen Four Lions, it’s likely it would have stirred up a lot more controversy. But this small British comedy flew under the radar despite its controversial subject matter. The film follows a group of incompetent terrorists attempting to carry out an act of terror.
While that subject matter might seem impossible to laugh at, the movie brilliantly deals with terrorism more effectively than most other films. The movie condemns violent radicals of any kind by depicting them as idiots and allowing us to laugh at them while taking away the fear of them.
Booksmart (2019)
Booksmart is the newest movie on this list and another film that introduces an exciting new filmmaking talent. Olivia Wilde is, of course, a well-known actor, but her directorial debut proved she has a bright future behind the camera as well.
The movie stars Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein as two strait-laced high school students who decide to finally let loose the night before graduation. Though well-received, it was somewhat lost amongst the big summer movies. However, the amazing performances, clever script and moments of beauty captured by Wilde make it a very special film worth watching.
Boy (2010)
Taika Waititi is now one of the most talked-about filmmakers around, thanks to films like Thor: Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit. However, his brilliant earlier films are also worth seeking out, especially Boy.
The New Zealand-set coming-of-age comedy follows two young boys dealing with the reappearance of their father (played by Waititi) who was just released from prison. The performances are all stellar and there is a warmth to the movie along with all the big laughs you would expect from Waititi.
The Guard (2011)
The Guard is another smaller film that has yet to be discovered by the larger audience it deserves. The Irish crime-comedy stars Brendan Gleason as an unorthodox police officer who is reluctantly brought into a drug investigation by an ambitious FBI agent (Don Cheadle).
Gleason gives a fantastic performance as the blunt, lazy and childish cop, making him an easy yet unconventional hero to root for. Liam Cunningham and Mark Strong are also memorable as a pair of unusual criminals. The sharp and biting dialogue also provides huge laughs throughout the stellar adventure.
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016)
It can be difficult to pull off an effective mockumentary, but the boys of Lonely Island did it with this hilarious musical comedy. Andy Samberg stars as a pop superstar dealing on tour to promote his new album.
The movie is filled with celebrity cameos and hilarious yet catchy tunes. Sadly, the movie bombed upon its release, despite solid reviews. But the Popstaris sure to find its audience someday and will likely be considered as one of the great comedies of all time.
