Best Comedy Movies of 2018 By Tomatometer

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: During a summer in Los Angeles, long-term couple Owen and Hallie may be breaking up. And just as their relationship reaches a turning point, Matt... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Emma Roberts, Michael Angarano, Dree Hemingway, Patrick Gibson

Directed By: Sam Boyd

Critics Consensus: A cool scoop of cliché that doesn't completely melt under pressure, Summer of 03 goes down easy thanks to Becca Gleason's earnest direction.

Synopsis: In the midst of a family crisis, a 16-year-old girl wades through the difficult waters of her love life.

Starring: Joey King, Andrea Savage, June Squibb, Erin Darke

Directed By: Becca Gleason

Critics Consensus: Dog Days is frivolous but frothy, sporting a forgettable cast of human characters but a lovable troupe of pooches that ought to delight viewers looking for a gentle affirmation of humanity's bond with their furry friends.

Synopsis: Elizabeth is a charming anchorwoman who seeks advice from her dog's therapist. Tara is a spunky barista who dreams of a life beyond the coffee... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Nina Dobrev, Vanessa Hudgens, Adam Pally, Eva Longoria

Directed By: Ken Marino

Critics Consensus: Kyrie Irving's crossover to comedy is amiable enough to score with basketball fans, but Uncle Drew is held back by formulaic plotting and too much product placement.

Synopsis: After draining his life savings to enter a team in the Rucker Classic street ball tournament in Harlem, Dax is dealt a series of setbacks,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kyrie Irving, Lil Rel Howery, Nick Kroll, Shaquille O'Neal

Directed By: Charles Stone III

Critics Consensus: Ideal Home benefits from the chemistry between a well-chosen cast, whose work helps tip the scales against the script's inconsistent -- and occasionally retrograde -- humor.

Synopsis: Celebrity chef Erasmus and his partner, Paul, have a happy and rather self-indulgent life together. Their perfect existence is soon turned upside down when, at... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Paul Rudd, Steve Coogan, Alison Pill, Jake McDorman

Directed By: Andrew Fleming

Critics Consensus: The Boy Downstairs finds a few fresh moments in its familiar setup and benefits from Zosia Mamet's charismatic performance, both of which are enough to keep viewers interested.

Synopsis: Diana moves back to New York City after a few years abroad and finds the perfect Brooklyn apartment for a fresh start. During the first... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Zosia Mamet, Matthew Shear, Deirdre O'Connell, Sarah Ramos

Directed By: Sophie Brooks

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: The bond between two brothers is challenged when they find they are in love with the same girl.

Starring: Nat Wolff, Alex Wolff, Polly Draper, Paulina Singer

Directed By: Polly Draper

Critics Consensus: Permission holds together in spite of its uneven narrative thanks to eminently watchable work from leads Rebecca Hall and Dan Stevens.

Synopsis: Anna and Will were each other's first: first kiss, first love and first and only relationship. Now, 10 years in, as Will is about to... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Rebecca Hall, Dan Stevens, Gina Gershon, François Arnaud

Directed By: Brian Crano

Critics Consensus: Lea Thompson proves as capable behind the camera as her daughters are before it in <em<The Year of Spectacular Men, though its charming sensibilities are at times overshadowed by an inconsistent script.

Synopsis: A chronicle of the romantic relationships of a recent college graduate.

Starring: Madelyn Deutch, Zoey Deutch, Cameron Monaghan, Lea Thompson

Directed By: Lea Thompson

Critics Consensus: Vice takes scattershot aim at its targets, but writer-director Adam McKay hits some satisfying bullseyes -- and Christian Bale's transformation is a sight to behold.

Synopsis: Gov. George W. Bush of Texas picks Dick Cheney, the CEO of Halliburton Co., to be his Republican running mate in the 2000 presidential election.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Steve Carell, Sam Rockwell

Directed By: Adam McKay

Critics Consensus: An entertaining PG detour for gore maestro Eli Roth, The House with a Clock in Its Walls is a family-friendly blend of humor and horror with an infectious sense of fun.

Synopsis: Ten-year-old Lewis goes to live with his oddball uncle in a creaky old house that contains a mysterious ticktock noise. He soon learns that Uncle... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jack Black, Cate Blanchett, Owen Vaccaro, Kyle MacLachlan

Directed By: Eli Roth

Critics Consensus: Finding Your Feet wears its heart on its sleeve, elevating undemanding material with a feel-good romance and sweet performances from its over-qualified cast.

Synopsis: When Lady Sandra Abbott discovers that her husband of 40 years is having an affair with her best friend, she seeks refuge in London with... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Joanna Lumley, Celia Imrie, Timothy Spall, Imelda Staunton

Directed By: Richard Loncraine

Critics Consensus: The beautifully filmed Damsel injects the western genre with a welcome dose of humor and some unexpected twists, although its stately pace may frustrate impatient viewers.

Synopsis: Samuel Alabaster, an affluent pioneer, ventures across the American frontier to marry the love of his life, Penelope. As his group traverses the West, the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Mia Wasikowska, David Zellner, Nathan Zellner

Directed By: David Zellner, Nathan Zellner

Critics Consensus: Back to Burgundy finds its own subtle terroir in the well-trod ground of family drama -- and should prove particularly intoxicating viewing for oenophiles.

Synopsis: Siblings have to learn to trust each other again when their father falls ill.

Starring: Pio Marmaï, Ana Girardot, François Civil, Jean-Marc Roulot

Directed By: Cédric Klapisch

Critics Consensus: The Misandrists mounts a memorably gonzo assault on the patriarchy -- one whose wild ambition and outré aesthetic are often enough to cover for its uneven execution.

Synopsis: A member of a radical terrorist group known as the Female Liberation Army takes pity on an injured male leftist. She soon hides him in... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Susanne Sachße, Viva Ruiz, Kembra Pfahler, Caprice Crawford

Directed By: Bruce La Bruce

Critics Consensus: As idiosyncratic as it is ambitious, Clara's Ghost can be as difficult to pin down as a spectral presence -- yet it also has a way of working itself under the skin.

Synopsis: Clara, fed up with the constant ribbing from her self-absorbed showbiz family, finds guidance from the supernatural force she believes is haunting her.

Starring: Paula Niedert Elliott, Chris Elliott, Abby Elliott, Bridey Elliott

Directed By: Bridey Elliott

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: A lesbian couple's plan to solicit a friend to be their sperm donor brings surprising changes for all three of them.

Starring: Oona Chaplin, Natalia Tena, Geraldine Chaplin, Charlotte Atkinson

Directed By: Carlos Marques-Marcet

Critics Consensus: The Long Dumb Road navigates the odd couple road trip comedy formula fairly smoothly, thanks mainly to the chemistry between Tony Revolori and Jason Mantzoukas.

Synopsis: Nat, an aspiring photographer, is heading toward a bright future in art school in Los Angeles and wants to find the real America en route... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tony Revolori, Jason Mantzoukas, Taissa Farmiga, Grace Gummer

Directed By: Hannah Fidell

Critics Consensus: Mid90s tells a clear-eyed yet nostalgic coming-of-age tale that might mark the start of an auspicious new career for debuting writer-director Jonah Hill.

Synopsis: In the 1990s Los Angeles, a 13-year-old spends his summer navigating between a troubled home life and a crew of new friends he meets at... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Sunny Suljic, Lucas Hedges, Na-kel Smith, Gio Galicia

Directed By: Jonah Hill

Critics Consensus: Green Book takes audiences on an excessively smooth ride through bumpy subject matter, although Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen's performances add necessary depth.

Synopsis: Dr. Don Shirley is a world-class African-American pianist who's about to embark on a concert tour in the Deep South in 1962. In need of... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini, Sebastian Maniscalco

Directed By: Peter Farrelly

Critics Consensus: Mary Poppins Returns relies on the magic of its classic forebear to cast a familiar -- but still solidly effective -- family-friendly spell.

Synopsis: Now an adult with three children, bank teller Michael Banks learns that his house will be repossessed in five days unless he can pay back... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer

Directed By: Rob Marshall

Critics Consensus: Grim and gripping in equal measure, Have a Nice Day is an animated drama that pulls no punches -- and leaves a satisfying mark.

Synopsis: A city in southern China and a bag containing stolen money draws several people from diverse backgrounds into a bloody conflict.

Starring: Zhu Changlong, Jian Liu, Cao Kai, Yang Siming

Directed By: Jian Liu

Critics Consensus: Old-fashioned charm meets sharp wit and modern social satire in The Party, a biting comedy carried by a shining performance from Patricia Clarkson.

Synopsis: A comedy of tragic proportions.

Starring: Patricia Clarkson, Bruno Ganz, Cherry Jones, Emily Mortimer

Directed By: Sally Potter

Critics Consensus: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again doubles down on just about everything fans loved about the original -- and my my, how can fans resist it?

Synopsis: In 1979 young Donna, Tanya and Rosie graduate from Oxford University -- leaving Donna free to embark on a series of adventures throughout Europe. On... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Lily James, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth

Directed By: Ol Parker

Critics Consensus: Instant Family may not quite capture the complexity of real-life adoption, but fittingly for the unconditional bond it honors, this flawed yet well-intentioned dramedy is ultimately worth the investment.

Synopsis: When Pete and Ellie decide to start a family, they stumble into the world of foster care adoption. They hope to take in one small... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Rose Byrne, Octavia Spencer, Isabela Merced

Directed By: Sean Anders

Critics Consensus: Juliet, Naked's somewhat familiar narrative arc is elevated by standout work from a charming cast led by a well-matched Rose Byrne and Ethan Hawke.

Synopsis: Annie breaks up with her longtime boyfriend Duncan -- a teacher who's obsessed with former 1990s rocker Tucker Crowe. She soon develops an unexpected bond... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Rose Byrne, Chris O'Dowd, Megan Dodds

Directed By: Jesse Peretz

Critics Consensus: Blockers puts a gender-swapped spin on the teen sex comedy -- one elevated by strong performances, a smartly funny script, and a surprisingly enlightened perspective.

Synopsis: Julie, Kayla and Sam are three high school seniors who make a pact to lose their virginity on prom night. Lisa, Mitchell and Hunter are... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Leslie Mann, Ike Barinholtz, John Cena, Kathryn Newton

Directed By: Kay Cannon

Critics Consensus: Though it threatens to buckle under the weight of its meta gags, Deadpool 2 is a gory, gleeful lampoon of the superhero genre buoyed by Ryan Reynolds' undeniable charm.

Synopsis: Wisecracking mercenary Deadpool meets Russell, an angry teenage mutant who lives at an orphanage. When Russell becomes the target of Cable -- a genetically enhanced... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Zazie Beetz

Directed By: David Leitch

Critics Consensus: Under the Tree leads viewers into decidedly bleak territory, but it's leavened by sly intelligence and a surprising sense of humor.

Synopsis: When Baldvin and Inga's next-door neighbors complain that a tree in the couple's backyard casts a shadow over their sun deck, what starts off as... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Steinþór Hróar Steinþórsson, Edda Björgvinsdóttir, Sigurður Sigurjónsson, Þorsteinn Bachmann

Directed By: Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurðsson

Critics Consensus: With a talented cast turned loose on a loaded premise -- and a sharp script loaded with dark comedy and unexpected twists -- Game Night might be more fun than the real thing.

Synopsis: Max and Annie's weekly game night gets kicked up a notch when Max's brother Brooks arranges a murder mystery party -- complete with fake thugs... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Kyle Chandler, Sharon Horgan

Directed By: John Francis Daley, Jonathan M. Goldstein

Critics Consensus: Elevated by a solid soundtrack and a terrific cast, Dumplin' offers sweetly uplifting drama that adds just enough new ingredients to a reliably comforting formula.

Synopsis: The plus-size, teenage daughter of a former beauty queen signs up for her mom's pageant as a protest that escalates when other contestants follow in... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Danielle Macdonald, Jennifer Aniston, Odeya Rush, Dove Cameron

Directed By: Anne Fletcher

Critics Consensus: Twisty, twisted, and above all simply fun, A Simple Favor casts a stylish mommy noir spell strengthened by potent performances from Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively.

Synopsis: Stephanie is a widowed single mother who works as a vlogger in Connecticut. Her best friend, Emily, seems to have it all, a successful career,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, Ian Ho

Directed By: Paul Feig

Critics Consensus: Tully delves into the modern parenthood experience with an admirably deft blend of humor and raw honesty, brought to life by an outstanding performance by Charlize Theron.

Synopsis: A new comedy from Academy Award®-nominated director Jason Reitman ("Up in the Air") and Academy Award®-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody ("Juno"). Marlo (Academy Award® winner Charlize... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis, Mark Duplass, Ron Livingston

Directed By: Jason Reitman

Critics Consensus: Led by an outstanding central performance from Mary Elizabeth Winstead and brilliantly held together by writer-director Eva Vives, All About Nina is a delightfully raw dramedy.

Synopsis: Nina Geld's passion and talent have made her a rising star in the comedy scene, but she's an emotional mess offstage. When a new professional... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Common, Grace Shen, Beau Bridges

Directed By: Eva Vives

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: Elliot is a young and carefree New Yorker whose world gets turned upside down when he finds out that he has cancer. He soon finds... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Maika Monroe, Jeremy Allen White, DeRon Horton, Marisa Tomei

Directed By: Hannah Marks, Joey Power

Critics Consensus: A lighter, brighter superhero movie powered by the effortless charisma of Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly, Ant-Man and The Wasp offers a much-needed MCU palate cleanser.

Synopsis: Scott Lang is grappling with the consequences of his choices as both a superhero and a father. Approached by Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michael Peña

Directed By: Peyton Reed

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: A Texas entrepreneur reinvents himself as a cowboy in China's tech industry.

Starring: David Zellner, Robert Longstreet, J.R. Cazet, Angelina Liu

Directed By: John Maringouin

Critics Consensus: Bye Bye Germany offers thoroughly entertaining proof that there are still new stories to be found in the oft-examined rubble of World War II.

Synopsis: A Holocaust survivor who is trying make it to America is deprived of his savings and overtaken by his shady past.

Starring: Moritz Bleibtreu, Antje Traue, Tim Seyfi, Mark Ivanir

Directed By: Sam Garbarski

Critics Consensus: The Breaker Upperers brings the laughs early and often, thanks to the dry wit -- and effervescent chemistry -- of writer-director-star duo Jackie van Beek and Madeleine Sami.

Synopsis: Two cynical women create an agency that helps break up couples in an attempt to avoid moving on with their lives.

Starring: Madeleine Sami, Jackie van Beek, James Rolleston, Celia Pacquola

Directed By: Madeleine Sami, Jackie van Beek

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: John Zbikowski is a down-on-his-luck bookie who develops an unlikely friendship with Brian, his ex-girlfriend's 12-year-old son. When Zbikowski's clients don't pay their debts, he... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Michael Kelly, Jesse Ray Sheps, Pamela Adlon, Isiah Whitlock Jr.

Directed By: John Hyams

Critics Consensus: Teen Titans Go! To the Movies distills the enduring appeal of its colorful characters into a charmingly light-hearted adventure whose wacky humor fuels its infectious fun -- and belies a surprising level of intelligence.

Synopsis: It seems that all the major superheroes out there are starring in their own movies -- all but the Teen Titans. Robin is bound and... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Greg Cipes, Scott Menville, Khary Payton, Tara Strong

Directed By: Peter Rida Michail, Aaron Horvath

Critics Consensus: Thoroughly sweet, comfortably familiar, and elevated by the chemistry between Nick Offerman and Kiersey Clemons, Hearts Beat Loud offers feel-good father-daughter drama.

Synopsis: In the hip Brooklyn neighborhood of Red Hook, single dad and record store owner Frank is preparing to send his hard-working daughter Sam off to... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Nick Offerman, Kiersey Clemons, Ted Danson, Sasha Lane

Directed By: Brett Haley

Critics Consensus: With a terrific cast and a surfeit of visual razzle dazzle, Crazy Rich Asians takes a satisfying step forward for screen representation while deftly drawing inspiration from the classic -- and still effective -- rom-com formula.

Synopsis: Rachel Chu is happy to accompany her longtime boyfriend, Nick, to his best friend's wedding in Singapore. She's also surprised to learn that Nick's family... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh, Gemma Chan

Directed By: Jon M. Chu

Critics Consensus: Heavy Trip's heartfelt humor and fully realized characters make this a journey well worth taking - and one of the best rock comedies in recent memory.

Synopsis: In this offbeat comedy from Finland, Turo is stuck in a small village where the best thing in his life is being the lead vocalist... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Johannes Holopainen, Max Ovaska, Minka Kuustonen, Ville Tiihonen

Directed By: Juuso Laatio, Jukka Vidgren

Critics Consensus: Fearlessly ambitious, scathingly funny, and thoroughly original, Sorry to Bother You loudly heralds the arrival of a fresh filmmaking talent in writer-director Boots Riley.

Synopsis: In an alternate reality of present-day Oakland, Calif., telemarketer Cassius Green finds himself in a macabre universe after he discovers a magical key that leads... View Full Synopsis

Starring: LaKeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Jermaine Fowler, Omari Hardwick

Directed By: Boots Riley

Critics Consensus: The Favourite sees Yorgos Lanthimos balancing a period setting against rich, timely subtext - and getting roundly stellar performances from his well-chosen stars.

Synopsis: In the early 18th century, England is at war with the French. Nevertheless, duck racing and pineapple eating are thriving. A frail Queen Anne occupies... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, Emma Stone, Nicholas Hoult

Directed By: Yorgos Lanthimos

Critics Consensus: Stan & Ollie pays tribute to a pair of beloved entertainers with an affectionate look behind the scenes -- and a moving look at the burdens and blessings of a creative bond.

Synopsis: Laurel and Hardy -- the world's greatest comedy team -- face an uncertain future as their golden era of Hollywood films remain long behind them.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Steve Coogan, John C. Reilly, Shirley Henderson, Nina Arianda

Directed By: Jon S. Baird

Critics Consensus: As timely as it is overall impactful, Blindspotting blends buddy comedy with seething social commentary, and rises on the strength of Daveed Diggs' powerful performance.

Synopsis: Collin must make it through his final three days of probation for a chance at a new beginning in his Oakland, Calif., neighborhood. His bond... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Daveed Diggs, Rafael Casal, Janina Gavankar, Jasmine Cephas Jones

Directed By: Carlos López Estrada

Critics Consensus: BlacKkKlansman uses history to offer bitingly trenchant commentary on current events -- and brings out some of Spike Lee's hardest-hitting work in decades along the way.

Synopsis: Ron Stallworth is the first African-American detective to serve in the Colorado Springs Police Department. Determined to make a name for himself, Stallworth bravely sets... View Full Synopsis

Starring: John David Washington, Adam Driver, Laura Harrier, Topher Grace

Directed By: Spike Lee

Critics Consensus: The Death of Stalin finds director/co-writer Arnando Iannucci in riotous form, bringing his scabrous political humor to bear on a chapter in history with painfully timely parallels.

Synopsis: When tyrannical dictator Joseph Stalin dies in 1953, his parasitic cronies square off in a frantic power struggle to become the next Soviet leader. Among... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Steve Buscemi, Simon Russell Beale, Jeffrey Tambor, Paddy Considine

Directed By: Armando Iannucci

Critics Consensus: Deftly directed and laced with dark wit, Can You Ever Forgive Me? proves a compelling showcase for deeply affecting work from Richard E. Grant and Melissa McCarthy.

Synopsis: Lee Israel is a frustrated, hard-drinking author who can barely afford to pay her rent or bills in 1990s New York. Desperate for money, Israel... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Richard E. Grant, Dolly Wells, Ben Falcone

Directed By: Marielle Heller

Critics Consensus: Eighth Grade takes a look at its titular time period that offers a rare and resounding ring of truth while heralding breakthroughs for writer-director Bo Burnham and captivating star Elsie Fisher.

Synopsis: Thirteen-year-old Kayla endures the tidal wave of contemporary suburban adolescence as she makes her way through the last week of middle school -- the end... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Elsie Fisher, Daniel Zolghadri, Fred Hechinger, Imani Lewis

Directed By: Bo Burnham

Critics Consensus: Bathtubs Over Broadway pulls back the curtains on a delightfully entertaining -- and surprisingly affecting -- glimpse into a largely forgotten corner of pop culture.

Synopsis: Writer Steve Young tracks down rare musical show albums, unseen footage, composers and performers.

Starring: Steve Young, Martin Short, David Letterman, Chita Rivera

Directed By: Dava Whisenant

Critics Consensus: Keep the Change puts a refreshingly inclusive perspective on the rom-com formula, further elevated by a talented cast and compassionate work from writer-director Rachel Israel.

Synopsis: When aspiring filmmaker David is mandated by a judge to attend a social program at the Jewish Community Center, he is sure of one thing:... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Brandon Polansky, Samantha Elisofon, Jessica Walter, Tibor Feldman

Directed By: Rachel Israel

Critics Consensus: Oh Lucy! roots its narrative quirks in universal themes and deep empathy for its characters, all brought to life by strong performances from a talented cast led by the thoroughly charming Shinobu Terajima.

Synopsis: A lonely woman in Tokyo discovers her alter ego when she takes an English class.

Starring: Shinobu Terajima, Josh Hartnett, Kaho Minami, Kôji Yakusho

Directed By: Atsuko Hirayanagi