10 Best Adult Rated Comedies of All Time (2022) – Comedy films are the people’s opiate. They undeniably cater to the greatest number of moviegoers, regardless of their preferences. These films are for everyone; no one can deny the value of a good laugh and a good time. With the rise of comedy mainstays such as Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Jonah Hill, Sacha Baron-Cohen, Zach Galifianakis, Will Ferrell, and Amy Schumer, among others, the genre has seen the arrival of humor with an adult centric focus group.
Rating agencies have responded to the rise of these films by R-rating them, while moviegoers have increasingly shown a penchant for devouring them whenever a good one hits theaters. Most of these films lampoon and at times contrast ordinary life scenarios that adults all over the world encounter, while others may just be poking fun at a certain area or facet of life, such as the system, the government, relationships and marriages, and so on. The fusion of the comedy genre with nearly every other genre, including romance, drama, action, and even horror, has resulted in some of the most fun films ever made. Similarly, the following list includes some of the top adult comedy for you to get a filthy, hearty chuckle. Several of these top R-rated comedy films are available on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.
Due Date (2010)
The pairing of Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis, one of the most oddball in years, works better than everything else; the writing, the jokes, the circumstances, and even the snappy language. When you combine one of the most captivating performers in recent memory with an actor who catapulted to international recognition as Alan in The Hangover trilogy, you have a prescription for disaster. The consequence is pure frustration on Downey’s behalf and more buffoonery on Galifianaki’s part, and the film mines some well-deserved chuckles, albeit fewer and further apart. Although I agree that the narrative of a road trip featuring radically opposing individuals is extremely similar to that of ‘Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,’ which is far higher on the list, if you’re just looking for a good laugh over a unique combination, this is not a bad way to spend two hours.
Ted (2012)
‘Ted’ certainly has the simplest, most linear story of all the films in this group, even if it is uninspired at times, which is saying a lot in a list of just comedies. All of that matters little during the film’s runtime, as you see a talking Teddy Bear swear, smoke marijuana, have sex, and be irreverent and cacophonous to everyone on a regular basis. The plot is straightforward: a child’s yearning to see his teddy bear come to life is granted, and complications occur when they are all grown up. He must now pick between being a normal adult with responsibilities and a mature relationship and hanging out with his childhood friend. The finale is somewhat forced, but Seth MacFarlane’s fantastic voice acting talents loaned to Ted and Mark Wahlberg wind up working considerably in the film’s favor, which elevates a notch above mediocre thanks to their appearance, a few amusing but sharp one-liners, and a slew of 80s references.
This is the End (2013)
James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Craig Robinson, and Danny McBride, among a slew of other performers, are trapped inside Franco’s house as the apocalypse approaches. The potential for this picture was enormous, and while I state up front that I’m typically turned off by the Rogen-Apatow type of humour, this film managed to make me chuckle in a number of situations. However, that is the exact least one might expect from a film starring nearly everyone who has ever worked in the American comedy industry. It is frequently singularly unfunny and overly crude. Among all of this, it is the film’s absurd idea and near-impenetrable assemblage that keep it going.
Spy (2015)
Melissa McCarthy and Paul Feig collaborated for the third time on ‘Spy,’ following ‘Bridesmaids’ and ‘The Heat.’ There has recently been a surge of films spoofing the espionage genre and classic Bond films, culminating with ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service.’ ‘Spy’ isn’t quite as good, but it’s ridiculously funny when it tries hard enough. Besides, McCarthy as the desk agent thrust into a field assignment is a ripe enough notion on its own, and only because of McCarthy. I also admit that the picture would not have been half as entertaining without Jason Statham, who is in fine form spoofing practically every action hero ever, including himself. Despite the occasional fat shaming and misogyny, this is a pleasant film with some extremely entertaining over-the-top physical humour.
We’re the Millers (2013)
‘We’re the Millers’ is the bawdy R-Rated comedy you watch on a boring weekend to spice things up a little. We’ve all heard the plot: a drug dealer creates a “fake” family to transport drugs from Mexico to the United States. Naturally, the most amusing parts of the film are when the Millers experience typical American family troubles and how the mismatched quartet of a stripper, a pot dealer, a homeless girl, and a harmless guy band together to find a way out of it. Having said that, you won’t remember it after a week or two after watching it. It’s the kind of instantly forgettable yet fun in the moment film that appears to be the tagline of every other half-decent modern blockbuster.
Wedding Crashers (2005)
‘Wedding Crashers’ isn’t Oscar material, but it doesn’t need to be, and it knows it. In fact, the only time the picture suffers from a hiccup is when it begins to focus on the tale. Aside from that, when the protagonists are their typical selves and the jokes fly at you at breakneck speed, the movie is mainly enjoyable, even if roughly half of the quips make you chuckle in your seat. The plot revolves around two lawyers who have a cynical view toward marriage and commitment in general, and who continue to crash weddings in order to capitalize on the fervor in the air and sleep with ladies for a one-night fling. This changes when they both crash a high-profile wedding and fall in love. It’s a good thing their love interests are played by Rachel McAdams and Isla Fisher, who keep their characters from being utterly one-dimensional. The picture, on the other hand, belongs to the chemistry of its delightful stars, Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, whose pairing is a rare find and works strongly in the film’s favor.
Bridesmaids (2011)
‘Bridesmaids,’ directed by Paul Feig, is next on my list. The story revolves around Annie (Wiig), who endures a sequence of calamities after being asked to serve as maid of honor for her best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph). Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Ellie Kemper, Chris O’Dowd, and Rebel Wilson are among the stellar supporting actors. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards, demonstrating its evolution from a simple comedy to a complete and well-planned picture. McCarthy won acclaim for her portrayal and was nominated for an academy award. It catapulted her into the spotlight, and her chemistry with Kristen Wiig was much lauded.
The Dictator (2012)
If you are easily offended or aren’t more ‘liberal’ with your humor, I recommend you avoid ‘The Dictator,’ since ‘The Dictator’ will do all in its power to upset you. Sacha Baron-Cohen has criticized, parodied, or satirized practically every political viewpoint, religion, culture, race, sexuality, or even entire countries, and ‘The Dictator,’ following in the footsteps of Borat and Bruno, does the same. I, like half of the world, am guilty of laughing out loud at many of the jokes in there. Sacha Baron-Cohen has nailed the role of the naive non-American who finds himself far from home in the most ‘American’ of settings. Here, despite governments despising him, he does most of what he does out of pure daring rather than naivety, and for that, the comedian in him has my respect.
American Pie (1999)
This film is popular among youths and men of all ages. It is one of the most well-known films of all time, and it has spawned four profitable sequels. The film follows a group of college students as they try to find the perfect hook-up. The film has attained cult status and is frequently referenced in contemporary culture. Stifler and his mother are the two characters who have been constantly referenced in films and television today. The performers have earned global stardom as a result of the series, and they have acknowledged the film with helping them advance in their careers. Because of the failed sex scenes (sigh) and the use of adult language, it is rated R.
Harold and Kumar go to White Castle (2004)
This one, like most comedies of error, begins with our heroes needing something intrinsically easy, something that shouldn’t be too difficult to have under normal conditions. Because the film is what it is, it throws every curve ball in its path of two stoner pals trying to acquire a burger at the White Castle burger business in a serious case of the munchies. John Cho and Kal Penn are as odd a couple as you can get, and the chemistry between the leads, as well as the vastly different reactions these two have whenever something goes wrong (and a lot does), is sheer comedy brilliance. Naturally, neither of the two sequels that established Harold and Kumar as a legitimate franchise were as amusing, despite being slightly amusing and engaging.
21 Jump Street (2012)
Jonah Hill is one of the few performers I now trust to grab the spotlight from a hunky Hollywood heartthrob, despite their role being exactly the opposite, and this is due to shear humour and false self-confidence in their character. Channing Tatum isn’t far behind as the stupid jock, and the duo have a naturally satisfying connection that is what makes buddy police flicks so popular. The story is straightforward: two underachieving cops on park ranger duty are assigned undercover at a high school to investigate a probable drug ring and its operations. Their attempts to blend in with the opposite group of kids, the friendship of the protagonists, and how they frequently fail catastrophically despite this are the sections that garner the greatest chuckles. The scenario in which the duo unwittingly consumes the synthetic substance and begins tripping is very amusing. I was on the floor.
Horrible Bosses (2011)
Let’s face it: everyone who has ever worked in an exploitative work environment at an office has fantasized about killing their employer or superior at some point, and if you think different, you’re delusory. It doesn’t matter if your boss is a sweetheart and not as exploitative as the ones depicted in the film; it’s the employee-employer relationship that is the problem. While most of us disregarded it as absurd, the plot of this film revolves around three buddies who did not, and instead plotted the murders of their bosses. There are no points for guessing that things do not proceed as planned.
The picture is one of the funniest R-rated comedies in recent memory, at a time when I had given up hope for a competently ‘written’ one, rather than a decently played one, and it is both. ‘Horrible Bosses’ also works due of its excellent cast. The unhappy employees, played by Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis, have fantastic chemistry, while the bosses, played by Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey, and an unrecognizable Colin Farrell, are hilariously amusing. It would be a heinous crime to forget Jamie Foxx as motherf*cker Jones. A title like that should be enough to entice you to view the film. It’s nasty, irreverent, and, above all, hilarious as hell.
Tropic Thunder (2008)
‘Tropic Thunder’ should be lauded for bringing together Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., Matthew McConaughey, Tom Cruise, Jason Bateman, Nick Nolte, and Bill Hader under the same credits window, even if they don’t share the same frame within the film. The film satirizes everything, including Hollywood, every war picture made as an Oscar candidate, every method actor, and the way the industry works in general. The performances of Tom Cruise (in a prolonged cameo) and, in particular, Downey as a Hollywood method actor who takes his work too seriously in the hopes of winning the golden lady are highlights of the film. I wasn’t offended by the Black Downey Jr. jab, which was designed to represent him as African American, because most of what he said straight faced with that afro made me scream out laughing. The remainder of the cast, which includes Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Brandon Jackson, and Steve Coogan, gets a piece of the action and their own lines to shine amid a heavy ensemble of A-listers.
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
The invincible three of Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, and Nick Frost, who are responsible for the funniest British trilogy in years, The Cornetto Trilogy, began it in 2004 with ‘Shaun of the Dead,’ a blatant parody of the zombie film ‘Dawn of the Dead.’ As a moviegoer, I prefer either the Indian or American style of comedy films, which, despite being drastically different, have greater cohesion in their inherent nature. For me, watching the trilogy, particularly ‘Shaun of the Dead,’ was a significant departure in terms of humorous approach. However, hilarious is funny in whatever dialect or location, and Edgar Wright’s literary genius is no secret, as evidenced by this film. The most of the biting humour is provided by Pegg, who is also a co-writer, while the more slapstick sections, if they can be called that, are handled by Nick Frost, both of whom are terrific as always. It’s more subtle, to be sure, but give it a shot if you haven’t already; you won’t be sorry.
Hot Fuzz (2007)
The second film in the Cornetto trilogy, released in 2007, is nearly identical to ‘Shaun of the Dead,’ but only somewhat better. ‘Shaun of the Dead’ is hugely famous and revered among British moviegoers, and topping that was a monumental undertaking. ‘Hot Fuzz’ is not just a fine sequel to the horror comedy, but it is also, in my opinion, funnier. The trio strikes again, this time as police officers, and is joined by Martin Freeman and Bill Nighy to add to the absurdity. The picture is at its best when it depicts the team in action and laughter, or when it mocks the usual American action film and the people infatuated with them, superbly personified by a hilarious Nick Frost.
There’s something about Mary (1998)
The story revolves around Cameron Diaz’s character, Mary, who becomes the target of desire and affection for three desperate men. Their heartfelt attempts to win their lady-love and constant failure make the picture one of the best comedy ever created. Today, the film enjoys cult status and is regarded as one of the best films of the 2000s. The film was a sleeper blockbuster, grossing $368 million worldwide on a $23 million budget. It received an outpouring of affection and accolades from the industry. It is still considered to be one of the best R-rated comedy ever made.
Superbad (2007)
The trinity of Judd Apatow, Seth Rogen, and Jonah Hill has created some of the funniest comedic films in recent memory. This was one of their first projects together. The film stars Jonah Hill and Michael Cera as two high school seniors who want to throw a once-in-a-lifetime party and lose their virginities before graduating. But, as fate would have it, the preparations go awry, and the leads become entangled in a quagmire of amusing and unpleasant events. The film received great reviews upon its initial release, with the chemistry between the two stars receiving particular attention. It virtually doubled its budget, making it one of the most financially successful and profitable R-rated films of all time.
Zombieland (2009)
This film is a mash-up of the comedy and zombie genres. Because of its one-of-a-kind convergence, it stands out as a landmark achievement in modern filmmaking. The plot centres around the four main characters, who are survivors of a zombie apocalypse. The film follows a geeky college boy as he navigates the zombie apocalypse, meeting three strangers along the way and embarking on a long car trip across the United States in search of a sanctuary free of zombies. The film’s impressive main ensemble, which includes names like Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin, elevates it to a must-see destination. The film was a critical and commercial success, although it was rated R because of the gruesome violence and cannibalism.
The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
One of my favorite comedians is Steve Carell. Even the most innocuous facial expression can elicit hysterical laughter. 2006 was a watershed moment for him. With his link to the sitcom ‘The Office’ and the indie film ‘Little Miss Sunshine,’ he shot to global celebrity. The third component was ‘The 40-Year-Old-Virgin,’ in which he played Andy, a naïve aging man who is a virgin. It follows him on his road to finally breaking the seal (sigh), which is amusing and puts him in a variety of socially awkward situations. The picture was a big commercial success, but it also raised eyebrows among critics. The R-rated comedy grabbed many hearts and is now considered a cult classic.
Borat! Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)
Sacha Baron-Cohen is a comedy genius who goes unnoticed. His extensive background in theatre, film, and television make him the ideal performer to collaborate with. Borat Sagdiyev, a fictitious Kazakh journalist traveling through the United States filming real-life contacts with Americans, is played by Cohen. The film features a convergence of the documentary and comedy genres, which further enhances its impact. The film is still considered one of the most highly acclaimed comedies of all time, with Cohen receiving an Academy Award nod for his writing. He was also nominated for a Golden Globe for his role as Borat. The movie is a must-see! Take the time to view it.
The Hangover (2009)
Aside from ‘American Pie,’ ‘The Hangover’ is one of the most well-known and popular film franchises in the genre. The plot revolves around four buddies who embark on a trip to Las Vegas to celebrate one of them’s approaching bachelorhood. As a result of a night of booze and insanity, they end up in a wreck and lose track of their friend’s location. The film is notable for its incredibly gifted star cast, which includes Ed Helms, Bradley Cooper, and Zach Galifianakis. When it was released, it was the most grossing R-rated film of all time.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
If ‘Dazed and Confused’ was the iconic 90s film for youngsters growing up in the 1970s, ‘Ridgemont High’ is the teen flagbearer for the 1980s. While most people remember the film for the pool scene, which made headlines even back then, there is undeniably much more to it. Sean Penn’s performance as the constantly stoned surfer, who is equal parts defiant and charming, is at its peak. It’s no secret that the film’s writer, Cameron Crowe, went undercover at a high school, and the script chronicles her true experiences there. In that sense, the picture is considered ‘plotless,’ because there is no real’story’ being presented, other than a year in the lives of a couple of high schoolers. Despite this, ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ is extremely watchable throughout since it examines and describes high school life in a way that feels intimate. It is now considered a teen classic with a lot of sentimental value, especially for teenagers born in the 1980s.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)
‘Planes, Trains, and Automobiles’ may be argued to be an example of near perfect casting, with Steve Martin and John Candy playing comedic versions of themselves in a combination that is nothing short of explosive, but the plot, and more crucially, its handling, is just as strong. This film is in the ballpark when it comes to stories about misadventures with mismatched people. It may not have started it, a sub-genre that still has a lot of traction among moviegoers, but it can certainly be credited with popularizing it. While it is a significant shift for John Hughes, whose previous work had primarily focused on teenagers and young adults, this picture remains a pinnacle in an already illustrious career, generally being rated as his best work. It is comforting, sweet, and hysterically funny in places, with unusual gravitas for an all-comedy picture, such as the scene in the inn that transcends genre definitions. Easily one of the best comedies of the 1980s, and now a must-see for the holiday season.
Dazed and Confused (1993)
The classic teen film of the 1990s, depicting a period in the lives of high school students in the 1970s. Aside from being a nostalgia vehicle and piling on the details, the film plays out almost like a docu-drama, with fantastic one-liners and bringing together an array of actors before they were big names. I agree that a lot of it may seem out of context when viewed now, because it would need you to go back to eras you probably weren’t even aware of in the first place, but ‘Dazed and Confused’ is still hilarious while being only half as crude as R-Rated films nowadays. It’s an unexpected addition to Richard Linklater’s catalog, but it’s also one of the best films for a younger director still experimenting with his art. There isn’t much else to say about the film, except that McConaughey is fantastic as the older man who hangs about his high school and can’t seem to get rid of. This is the film that gave him his “alright, alright, alright” and “be a lot cooler if you did” lines, and it doesn’t get any more legendary than that.
The Big Lebowski (1998)
The most content-rich film on the list, in my opinion, yet, come to think of it, the plot that I just complimented is pretty ludicrous. To the film’s and the authors’ credit, the film’s and the writers’ craziness, as well as The Dude’s hijinks and Donny’s outbursts of fury in utterly inappropriate contexts, generate the majority of the chuckles. The humour in this film is mainly situational, with fewer punches and gags. For example, the film’s funniest moments, in which I found myself giggling uncontrollably, were when the characters just sigh or maintain a straight expression. ‘The Big Lebowski,’ now a cult classic, is one of the greatest best comedies of error out there, and The Dude agrees.