The best comedy movies on Max

No need to fret if you missed these comedy movies in theaters, because now you can laugh out loud at them from the comfort of your home with Max. And since HBO's recent rebranding, we could all use a tour of the streamer's latest selection of films, funny or not. Whether you're craving a heartwarming rom-com like 13 Going on 30 or seeking something more emotionally complex like Little Miss Sunshine, we've got you covered.

Read on for EW's handpicked list of the best comedy movies streaming on Max right now.

<i>9 to 5</i> (1980)

Long before Horrible Bosses clocked in, 9 to 5 served up office comedy gold. Three fed-up working women, tired of bowing to their chauvinistic and creepy boss, band together for a haze-filled night of payback fantasies. But when a murder attempt veers off track, the trio finds themselves on a rollicking adventure to reclaim their power. This classic gem is more than just a riotous romp; it's a trailblazing ode to the 1970s women's labor movement, boldly foregrounding conversations about sexual harassment and autonomy in the workplace. And as the opening credits roll with Dolly Parton's iconic, acrylic nail clacking anthem, you'll be hooked before you can pour your first cup of ambition. —James Mercadante

Where to watch 9 to 5: Max

EW grade: A– (read the review)

Director: Colin Higgins

Cast: Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Dabney Coleman, Sterling Hayden, Elizabeth Wilson, Henry Jones, Lawrence Pressman, Marian Mercer

Related: 9 to 5 movie sequel not moving forward with original cast

<i>13 Going on 30</i> (2004)

While on break from filming her hit TV show Alias, Jennifer Garner graced the silver screen with what would become one of her most iconic roles to date. In a twist of fate, the smart yet unpopular Jenna Rink finds herself humiliated by her classmates at her 13th birthday party, causing her to fast forward from awkward adolescence to the "flirty" and "thriving" age of 30 thanks to magic wishing dust. After she wakes up in the shoes of a successful magazine editor — and leading what appears to be a glamorous life — Jenna begins to yearn for the simple pleasures that often elude adulthood. Featuring a charming love story and a seminal dance number to Michael Jackson's "Thriller," this rom-com reminds us to appreciate the genuine joys and meaningful connections that truly enrich life, no matter your age. —J.M.

Where to watch 13 Going on 30: Max

EW grade: A– (read the review)

Director: Gary Winick

Cast: Jennifer Garner, Christa B. Allen, Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer, Jim Gaffigan, Andy Serkis, Kathy Baker, Phil Reeves, Sean Marquette, Alexandra Kyle

Related content: Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo get all mushy over their 13 Going on 30 reunion in The Adam Project

<i>Election</i> (1999)

Based on the eponymous novel by Tom Perrotta, Alexander Payne's cult classic follows the ruthless race for student government president at Carver High, where petty history teacher Jim McAllister meddles in the campaign of unstoppable go-getter Tracy Flick (his least favorite student) by convincing golden retriever-type jock Paul to throw his hat in the ring. As tensions rise, Paul's slacker sister joins the fray, fueled by spite after he inadvertently steals her girlfriend. With a delightful mix of power plays and personal vendettas — plus a sequel on the way — Election brilliantly parodies the circus that is politics, an evergreen spectacle in today's world, making it a perfect pick for your watchlist. —J.M.

Where to watch Election: Max

EW grade: N/A (read the review)

Director: Alexander Payne

Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Matthew Broderick, Chris Klein, Jessica Campbell, Mark Harelik, Phil Reeves, Molly Hagan, Delaney Driscoll

Related: Tom Perrotta on the origins of Election, Tracy Flick's legacy, and adapting his own work

<i>Ingrid Goes West</i> (2017)

In a world rife with loneliness, social media stalker Ingrid Thornburn craves real connection. Driven by an all-consuming desire to befriend Instagram influencer Taylor Sloane, Ingrid uproots her life in Pennsylvania and moves to the sun-kissed paradise of Venice Beach, Calif., where she's willing to take extreme measures to fulfill her deepest desires — from dognapping to roleplaying as Catwoman in the bedroom. Winning the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, this dark comedy delivers a deliciously smart commentary on the perils of parasocial relationships in the internet age, satirically highlighting the difference between the allure of our virtual personas and the reality they often obscure. —J.M.

Where to watch Ingrid Goes West: Max

EW grade: B (read the review)

Director: Matt Spicer

Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Elizabeth Olsen, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Wyatt Russell, Billy Magnussen, Pom Klementieff

Related content: Aubrey Plaza and Elizabeth Olsen talk Ingrid Goes West and social media obsession

<i>Horrible Bosses</i> (2011)

Imagine all the times you wanted to let loose on your insufferable boss with every nasty, NSFW remark you could muster. Well, none of those revenge fantasies could ever compare to the outrageous plot hatched by Nick Hendricks, Dale Arbus, and Kurt Buckman in their drunken desperation to deal with their tyrannical employers. Their plan? Straight-up murder. In Seth Gordon's vulgar comedy, this trio of downtrodden friends spiral down a path of ridiculous and side-splitting escapades to put the top dogs down. Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis create an effortless synergy while their higher-ups — played by Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston, and Colin Farrell — steal the show by acting out the tactless, HR nightmares that come back to haunt them. —J.M.

Where to watch Horrible Bosses: Max

EW grade: A– (read the review)

Director: Seth Gordon

Cast: Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell, Jamie Foxx, Donald Sutherland, Julie Bowen

Related content: Horrible Bosses premiere: The best and worst moments, as recalled by its screenwriters

<i>Juno</i> (2007)

In Diablo Cody's Oscar winning screenplay, quirky and loquacious 16 year old Juno MacGuff becomes the talk of small town Minnesota when she finds herself pregnant by track runner (and orange Tic Tac lover) Paulie Bleeker. Juno's razor-sharp dialogue — delivered by dry humor virtuosos Elliot Page and Michael Cera — infuses the film with a cozy and blithe feel, while its poignant moments beautifully capture raw humanity on screen. And Jennifer Garner's stand-out performance as half of the seemingly perfect couple looking to adopt Juno's baby leaves no heart untouched. —J.M.

Where to watch Juno: Max

EW grade: A– (read the review)

Director: Jason Reitman

Cast: Elliot Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Allison Janney, J.K. Simmons, Olivia Thirlby, Rainn Wilson

Related content: Juno cast reunites to remember a 'preggo' eggo and 'pork swords' at the Oscars

<i>Knocked Up</i> (2009)

Judd Apatow's rom-com takes a hilarious and relatable look at the aftermath of a one-night stand. On the surface, entertainment reporter Alison Scott and celebrity porn website developer Ben Stone seem to be polar opposites, but destiny has a wicked sense of humor. During one fateful night together fueled by liquid courage, Alison becomes pregnant, and instead navigating this newfound responsibility on her own, she gives her unlikely companion a chance at co-parenting a child. A jocular product of its time, Knocked Up is what EW's critic calls an "extremely funny, irresistible fairy tale about contemporary American frogs, princesses, childbirth classes, and bongs that is comic chicken soup for the Colbert Nation soul." —J.M.

Where to watch Knocked Up: Max

EW grade: A (read the review)

Director: Judd Apatow

Cast: Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigl, Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Jason Segel, Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, Martin Starr, Charlyne Yi

Related content: Seth Rogen addresses Katherine Heigl Knocked Up controversy

<i>The LEGO Batman Movie</i> (2017)

Many legendary actors have taken on the iconic role of Batman over the years, but The LEGO Batman Movie reshapes this superhero in an unforgettable way. With a miniature plastic Joker scheming in Gotham City, it's up to the animated Batman to swoop in and save the day. This caped crusader has defeated countless enemies, leaving his foe determined to prove himself as the Biggest Bad around. (After all, what's a superhero without a supervillain?) Though it's based on a toy, this film appeals to all ages, with building blocks for success that include an engaging story, catchy musical numbers, an A-list voice cast, and the limitless world of LEGO. —Kelsie Calderon

Where to watch The LEGO Batman Movie: Max

EW grade: B+ (read the review)

Director: Chris McKay

Cast: Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes, Jenny Slate, Héctor Elizondo, Ellie Kemper, Mariah Carey, Lauren White, Todd Hansen

Related content: Batman Rewatch: The LEGO Batman Movie and The Batman bury the Dark Knight to heap on praise

<i>Life After Beth</i> (2014)

In the aftermath of his girlfriend Beth's demise, Zach's life takes an unexpected twist when she mysteriously revives herself, turning their romance into a grave situation (literally) as she craves human flesh. Life After Beth is the zombie comedy the world never knew it needed, as Aubrey Plaza lends her trademark offbeat and deadpan humor to the film's titular character. "She commits so fully to her rabid, Romero-esque alter ego, she chews the movie up," EW's critic said. This out of the ordinary film explores the lengths a person might go for love, even in the face of death (and un-death). —K.C.

Where to watch Life After Beth: Max

EW grade: B (read the review)

Director: Jeff Baena

Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Dane DeHaan, Molly Shannon, Cheryl Hines, Paul Reiser, Matthew Gray Gubler, John C. Reilly

Related content: Aubrey Plaza goes full zombie in Life After Beth trailer

<i>Little Miss Sunshine</i> (2006)

Amidst the chaos within her dysfunctional family, young beauty pageant enthusiast Olive Hoover sets her unwavering sights on a dream bigger than life itself: to be crowned Little Miss Sunshine. Piling into their yellow Volkswagen van, the Hoovers set forth on a two-day journey from New Mexico to California, braving all odds to support Olive in fulfilling her fantasies between dealing with silent protests, mechanical issues, foul-mouthed rants from Grandpa, and brewing familial tensions. Directed by Ruby Sparks (2012) and Fleishman Is in Trouble duo, Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, this road trip tragicomedy tackles weighty subjects like mental illness and addiction, all while crafting a tender tale of unity rarely witnessed on a glitzy pageant stage. And let's not forget Abigail Breslin's show-stopping routine to Rick James' "Super Freak," which earns this already exceptional film 10s across the board. —J.M.

Where to watch Little Miss Sunshine: Max

EW grade: N/A (read the review)

Directors: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris

Cast: Abigail Breslin, Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Paul Dano, Alan Arkin, Bryan Cranston

Related content: Abigail Breslin remembers Little Miss Sunshine costar Alan Arkin: 'He will always be Grandpa in my heart'

<i>My Big Fat Greek Wedding</i> (2002)

Finding the perfect partner is one thing, but for Toula, winning your family's approval is the real challenge. According to her clan, "Nice Greek girls are supposed to do three things in life: marry Greek boys, make Greek babies, and feed everyone until the day we die." At age 30 and still single while her siblings have already started their own Greek families, Toula unexpectedly falls fast and hard for Ian Miller. The only problem: He isn't Greek. Despite the cultural clash, love knows no bounds, and with a third film out now — written and directed by Nia Vardalos herself — Toula's story is far from over. —K.C.

Where to watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding: Max

Director: Joel Zwick

Cast: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Michael Constantine, Lainie Kazan, Gia Carides, Louis Mandylor, Andrea Martin, Joey Fatone

Related content: Nia Vardalos directing My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 in Greece: 'Much love and gratitude'

<i>Napoleon Dynamite</i> (2004)

When Jared Hess' low-budget geek comedy first was released, it didn't receive the warmest welcome; in fact, EW's critic warned that "you'll find it funny, but then hate yourself for laughing out loud." (Gosh!) However, the film titled after the downtrodden, curly haired nerd has evolved into nothing short of a cult classic, inspiring viewers to draw up ligers (a lion mixed with a tiger), bust a move to Jamiroqua's "Canned Heat," or whip up a "dang quesadilla" for years to come. Though Napoleon Dynamite doesn't have much of a plot, that's because our hero does whatever he feels like — from dabbling in romance to helping his new friend run for class president — which will guarantee you a killer time. And if it doesn't, well... "your mom goes to college!" —J.M.

Where to watch Napoleon Dynamite: Max

Director: Jared Hess

Cast: Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez, Jon Gries, Aaron Ruell, Diedrich Bader, Tina Majorino, Sandy Martin, Haylie Duff, Trevor Snarr, Shondrella Avery

Related content: Napoleon Dynamite stars are reuniting for an animated series on the blockchain

<i>Shiva Baby</i> (2020)

While enduring a painfully awkward shiva, aimless college undergrad Danielle comes face to face with her accomplished ex-girlfriend and unexpectedly crosses paths with her own secret sugar daddy, who arrives with his non-Jewish wife and baby in tow. Striving to uphold her family's upstanding reputation, Danielle must navigate the treacherous waters of gossip-hungry neighbors and overbearing relatives if she wants to keep the skeletons in her closet hidden. In her breakout feature role, Rachel Sennott commands the screen with an unmistakable millennial flair, infusing every scene with her fresh and unique delivery. Shiva Baby spins a chaotic but earnest coming of age tale, cleverly unfolding within the confines of mostly one location and offering an expansive glimpse into this dynamic community.  —J.M.

Where to watch Shiva Baby: Max

EW grade: B (read the review)

Director: Emma Seligman 

Cast: Rachel Sennott, Molly Gordon, Dianna Agron, Danny Deferrari, Polly Draper, Fred Melamed, Jackie Hoffman, Sondra James, Deborah Offner

Related content: Bottoms up! Shiva Baby duo on reuniting to form their queer teen fight club

<i>Some Like It Hot</i> (1959)

For decades, Billy Wilder's caper has been lauded by critics as one of Hollywood's funniest films. After stumbling upon a murder, musicians Joe and Jerry go undercover as women in an all-female traveling jazz band to escape the mafia on their tail. While acknowledging the problematic nature of its comedy — which pokes fun at cross-dressing cis straight men — Some Like It Hot pushed boundaries in an era constrained by the Hays Code, paving the way for other films to discuss themes of gender performance and homosexuality. A gem of its time, the work also showcases Marilyn Monroe in what EW calls "one of the 10 best Oscar-snubbed performances." —J.M.

Where to watch Some Like It Hot: Max

Director: Billy Wilder

Cast: Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, George Raft, Pat O'Brien, Joe E. Brown, Joan Shawlee, Nehemiah Persoff

Related content: Tony Curtis recalls Some Like It Hot

<i>White Men Can't Jump</i> (1992)

When the 2023 remake starring Jack Harlow and Sinqua Walls hit Hulu, critics didn't quite dribble with excitement while comparing it to this '90s classic. Then-rising star Woody Harrelson landed his first major film role as Billy Hoyle, the former college basketball player who hustles streetballers with his deceptively unassuming skills. Forming an unlikely alliance with his on-court rival Sidney Deane, Billy and Sidney go on a mission to win a hoops tourney, discovering they share more in common than just a love for the game. Dubbed "a valentine to its sport" and "the best basketball movie ever made," EW's critic wrote, "you don't have to be a sports fan to love it. The movie is a smart [Ron] Shelton riff on the typically male struggle between becoming a full-fledged grown-up and staying forever young; it's as much about these hustlers' dreams as it is their schemes." —J.M.

Where to watch White Men Can't Jump: Max

EW grade: N/A (read the review)

Director: Ron Shelton

Cast: Wesley Snipes, Woody Harrelson, Rosie Perez, Tyra Ferrell, Cylk Cozart, Kadeem Hardison, John Marshall Jones, Ernest Harden Jr., Duane Martin

Related content: White Men Can't Jump: Behind the auditions, hustling, and dunks