Hustlers

Critics had high expectations of Hustlers before it came out, and yet somehow, it still managed to exceed the hype. For weeks after its release fans and critics called for Jennifer Lopez to have her Oscar moment, making this one of the most praised comedies of 2019. Based on the true New York Magazine story about strippers who drugged and conned Wall Street scumbags out of thousands of dollars, the Constance Wu-led film is a darkly comedic look at the 2008 economic recession and an astute observation on class differences in 2019. Also, Lili Reinhart’s ability to vomit on command is award-worthy all on its own.

Good Boys

These coming-of-age movies are getting younger and younger, but the Seth Rogen-produced Good Boys starring Jacob Tremblay is a perfectly matured film to enter into the canon. Good Boys follows the traditional adolescent adventure movie format, mixing a heavy dose of bawdiness with an endearing enough storyline. The strength is in the cast though. Tremblay is joined by Brady Noon and Keith L. Williams in a tale of boys who aren’t old enough to be badasses but too badass to be babies. Been there, my man.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

It's difficult to call Once Upon a Time in Hollywood by a single genre, but then again, isn't that the case with most Quentin Tarantino films? However, we'd be remiss to not include "comedy" when talking about Tarantino's ninth venture. Brad Pitt in particular offers up a hilarious performance in the film set against the summer of 1969. In particular there's one scene with a dog, some LSD, and a couple of Manson family killers... damn. That doesn't sound funny, but we swear, it's hysterical.

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Isn't It Romantic

Isn't it Romantic has a nice premise: an altered state takes Rebel Wilson's character's life and turns it into a rom-com. Problem is: she is the hater of all things rom-com. The film is charming enough and the big message at the end of the day is that Rebel Wilson's Natalie was lacking the self-assuredness she deserves to have.

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

How to Train Your Dragon doesn't get enough credit for being the substantial animated trilogy that it is. The third installment is the perfect finale to the coming of age story, too. Bonus: it helps that the film boasts the voice acting of everyone from Cate Blanchett to Jonah Hill.

Shazam!

Zachary Levi does a fantastic job of stepping into the spandex suit of Shazam, the superhero persona of Billy Baston. Telling the story of a teenage boy who can turn into a superhero when he calls out the magic word (one chance to guess what it is...), Shamaz! was a surprisingly sincere take on the DC Comics character.

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Pokémon Detective Pikachu

Detective Pikachu is its own beast. The buddy action movie brings the pocket monsters alive in a way unlike any other time before, but the key to the movie's success is Ryan Reynolds' hilarious portrayal of Pikachu—the only pokémon in the movie with the capability to speak to humans. If you're not an OG fan of the animé, fear not: Pokémon Detective Pikachu is funny enough to be enjoyed by all.

Late Night

Late Night is Mindy Kaling's Sundance darling that landed a wide summer release. The story follows a late night talk show host (Emma Thompson) whose career is on the line when she discovers her ratings have tanked. Of course, that could all be turned around with a new writer (Mindy Kaling) who isn't afraid to step outside of the box.

Always Be My Maybe

Netflix movies can be hit and miss, but the streaming platform has really honed in on how to turn out a pretty decent rom-com. In this one, two childhood sweethearts reconnect after years apart, and as you can imagine... the sparks return. But the most important part is that Ali Wong and Randall Park are incredible at carrying a rom-com.

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Fighting with My Family

Who'd have thought that a WWE-produced movie could be so good? The story of real life professional wrestler Paige arrives as a somewhat-biographical film of her ascent to fame. After getting the opportunity to audition for the WWE, Paige (who is actually named Saraya) and her brother take their shot, but when she makes it further than him, it's up to her to stay strong when she's (literally) against the ropes.

Long Shot

Seth Rogen stars as a reporter who ends up crossing paths again with his former babysitter, played by Charlize Theron. Big twist? She's also Secretary of State. But the impossible set up proves to be a charming enough entry with the help of its cast. Rogen and Theron make up for more than a few structural issues in this otherwise hilarious comedy.

The Beach Bum

The Beach Bum should have just been terrible, and yet, it is the absolute perfect comedic vehicle for Matthew McConaughey. While the actor has been making more dramatic turns lately, The Beach Bum has him playing the slightly scruffy, rough around the edges stoner bro that's always prepped and ready for a drink on the beach. It's not his greatest film, but if any movie has captured McConaughey's aesthetic, it's this one.

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Booksmart

Call it the "female Superbad." Or read it for what it really is—a fantastic coming of age film for young women that has been sorely missing from the comedic canon for a while now. Olivia Wilde's directorial debut was an outstanding showing, and the film feels perfectly timed. Even if it didn't crush at the box office, Booksmart's journey of do-good girls getting in one wild tryst before graduation is pitch perfect.

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