One of my favorite things to do on a Saturday night or a late-night movie night is to play a happy-go-lucky movie that makes me smile. Sometimes these marry the genre with a more serious approach because of a specific plot thread, and sometimes they are straight up comedy. It’s these that we all need sometimes… just because. This is why I decided to try and come up with a little list of films that are, for all intents and purposes, straight up happy and silly movies to binge watch. Because, why not?
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Some of these will be an unconventional choice (which is intentional on my part), others will likely make sense, but as always, I strive to find a variety of stories when putting these together. This way, hopefully, there’s a little something for everyone, or at least, always something to suit your mood (because like reading, we can be “movie mood viewers” too, right?).
Note: These aren’t anywhere close to the “only” titles I find happy or silly, but I tried to only choose ones that don’t balance between genres (i.e., bittersweet with humor).
20 Happy and Silly Movies to Watch on a Night In (Just Because)
1: Always a Bride
This one is way more of a “silly” comedy than ever I anticipated it being. It features Shirley Temple in her last feature film, and feels like one of the zany movies of its era as it follows a lovestruck teenager who creates a situation where she must become engaged to a much older man, and the predicament this puts her family in.
2: Blended
Just recently re-watched this one and it’s so fun. Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore play single parents who happen to dislike one another (after a blind date gone wrong), and then must get along on their respective family vacations when they are forced to share accommodations. PG-13 for crude humor/innuendo and some language
3: Bride Wars
This one fits the list because it’s really quite silly, though it also has moments of “good” about friendship, and of course, a little romance, too. Bride Wars rates PG
4: Cold Comfort Farm
Kate Beckinsale stars in this, a 1930s-set comedy, which feels almost like a version of Emma. It follows a woman who likes “projects,” and her latest is to teach manners to her distant relations who happen to live on a farm, and seem totally without any notion of “proper” behavior. Cold Comfort Farm rates PG
5: Dog Days
I just had to include this one. It’s too cute not to. The story follows various different characters as they find love, and for some, family over the course of a summer. Dog Days rates PG
6: Emma. (2020)
Unlike any other version of Jane Austen’s Emma, this 2020 adaptation is 100% a comedy. It’s entertaining, but I also miss the nostalgic feels, and of course, the love story. Rates PG for brief nudity
7: Fun with Dick and Jane
On a whim I watched this one on Netflix, and while funny, this Jim Carrey film also has very little substance or plot. The basic story follows a husband and wife, desperate for cash, who then begin to rob stores and banks. PG-13 for crude humor and some language
8: Get Smart (2008)
This is one of those slapstick comedies that are tough to take seriously. If you want a spy movie you can, this isn’t it. It seems to take many of the “throwback” aspects of its 1960s TV show source, which is fun for anyone who watched it. Find digitally on Amazon Video or (at time of publication) see on Netflix | PG-13 for crude humor
9: Hot Pursuit
Another “silly” movie about two women who go on the run after a police officer (played by Reese Witherspoon) must protect a witness to her husband’s murder. Sofia Vergara co-stars. PG-13 for crude and sexual humor
10: The Hustle
This isn’t anywhere close to the film I thought it’d be, but it’s still fun for a night in. Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson play con artists who end up working together on a new con. PG-13 for suggestive content and sexual humor, and some language
11: I Feel Pretty
Amy Schumer stars in this sweet comedy about a woman who finds her own way in the competitive world of fashion. PG-13 for suggestive and sexual content, and language
12: If a Man Answers
Recently watched this one for the first time, and am surprised it’s not a personal favorite. The concept sounds so fun, but the way it ends made me a little… annoyed? Primarily because it just didn’t suit how I “trusted” the females up until that point.
13: Just Go with It
This is a very adult comedy, but Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston are pretty funny. Sandler plays a player who finally meets the girl of his dreams, only trouble is, his pickup lines (which involve a phantom wife) suddenly catch up to him when the girl wants to meet his ex. PG-13 for suggestive/sexual content, and language
14: Keeping up with the Joneses
To be honest, I remember very little of this film, but do know it made me laugh and so that’s reason enough to include this comedy about a middle-class couple who learn their new neighbors are spies! PG-13 for suggestive content, language and some violence
15: Mirror, Mirror
This re-imagined version of Snow White is silly, but also, just so fun, which guarantees a good night’s worth of entertainment.
16: Murder Mystery
Another Adam Sandler comedy with Jennifer Aniston, and a Netflix original, in this we meet a married couple who, while on vacation are drawn into a bit of a mystery! Find on Netflix
17: Overboard (2018)
Finally decided to watch this Anna Faris re-make of the 80s film (of the same name) and discovered this one to be quite sweet. The plot is the same (a middle class single parent pulls a con on the heir of a corporate fortune who has lost their memory), only here it’s gender swapped so that Anna plays the working class woman. PG-13 for suggestive content and language
18: When In Rome
This rom-com gets a little ridiculous at times, but it’s also so darn cute (about a woman who wants to find love only to have to suddenly deal with four men in her life after she tosses a coin in a famed fountain). Plus it features Kristin Bell and Josh Duhamel, so…! PG-13 for suggestive/sexual content, and some language
19: You Again
Another one with Kristen Bell as the lead, and a Disney film too! The story follows a woman who returns home for her brother’s wedding only to learn he’s marrying her arch nemesis from high school. You Again rates PG
20: You Can’t Take it With You
One of my dad’s favorites, Jimmy Stewart plays a wealthy man who falls in love with a young woman whose working class family is a little on the nutty side, and therefore, she hopes to make the best impression on his family. Alas, things go array, and nothing goes according to her carefully laid plan.
Your turn; tell me all of your favorite happy and silly movies? Have you seen any of these? What would you categorize as a “silly” movie? Comment all your thoughts down in the comments! I’d love to know your thoughts.
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I have to admit that in Overboard they don’t go nearly as hard on the amnesiac this time around…
I really enjoyed this newer version of “Overboard,” and remember being bored with the old one. I remember because I thought I’d LOVE it. Either way, I should give it a re-watch now I’ve finally seen the 2018 one! :)
You really should watch the ORIGINAL versions of both Fun with Dick and Jane, and Overboard! Far better. Also, may I suggest another fun movie – Who is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe (after a fun book by almost the same name, except it is Someone instead of Who).
I haven’t seen the old ‘Dick and Jane,’ but have the 80s “Overboard.” I think I enjoyed the newer better to be honest. :) Haven’t heard of the one you mention, but I’ll have to look it up – thanks!!
What About Bob is one of my favorites! Hilarious!
I saw that one YEARS ago but haven’t seen it lately. May be one I should rewatch. :)