As 2024, a leap year, came to a close after 366 days, we finally welcomed 2025. What better way to kick off the New Year than with a good laugh? Here are five outstanding comedy films to enjoy on the first day of 2025.
With the dawn of a new year, streaming platforms have updated their movie selections. From our list, two films were made available on January 1st. Rest assured, all five of these comedies ranging from action, horror, romance to folk music, and slapstick humor, are ready for your viewing pleasure right from the start of 2025.
Looking for more suggestions? Check out our guides for the best new streaming movies, the top movies on Amazon Prime Video, the must-watch movies on Netflix, and the best films on Disney+.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
Although Christopher Nolan may be planning to direct The Odyssey, the Coen brothers, Joel and Ethan, were ahead of him by about 25 years. O Brother, Where Art Thou? is a standout Coen brothers film, which creatively reimagines elements and characters from The Odyssey set during the Great Depression. The film stars George Clooney as Ulysses Everett McGill, an escaped prisoner who convinces fellow inmates Pete (John Turturro) and Delmar (Tim Blake Nelson) to join him in retrieving a hidden treasure before it is submerged in a soon-to-be-created lake.
While Ulysses may have exaggerated the truth, they do find a treasure at the end of their journey, albeit not the one they expected. They have to overcome challenges including “sirens”, the KKK, and even a cyclops before they can claim it. Their journey is made delightful by the inspiring folk music featured in the film.
Stream O Brother Where Art Thou? on Hulu.
Notting Hill (1999)
During their prime rom-com era in 1999, Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts starred in Notting Hill. Julia Roberts portrays Anna Scott, one of the world’s most renowned actresses, a role not too far from her real-life status. On the other hand, Hugh Grant plays Will Thacker, an ordinary Londoner who runs a travel bookstore.
When Anna and Will’s paths cross, sparks fly. However, Anna’s fame presents a significant obstacle to their relationship. Despite his feelings for Anna, Will is daunted by the massive challenges of being with a superstar and questions whether he can find his place in her life amidst constant public scrutiny.
Stream Noting Hill on Peacock.
Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (2010)
In Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, the titular characters are unaware that they’re in a horror comedy and are confused about why a group of college students are terrified of them. All Dale Dobson (Tyler Labine) and Tucker McGee (Alan Tudyk) wanted was a peaceful fishing trip. But when they rescue Allison (Katrina Bowden) from drowning, her friends mistakenly believe she’s been kidnapped.
The intended “rescue” missions for Allison go awry, leading to a mounting body count that bewilders Tucker and Dale. Meanwhile, Allison’s friend, Chad (Jesse Moss), becomes fixated on seeking revenge on Tucker and Dale, revealing his own dark secrets in the process.
Stream Tucker & Dale vs. Evil on Prime Video.
Rush Hour (1998)
Starting January 1st, Netflix will be streaming one of the greatest action comedies ever: Rush Hour. Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan form a brilliant buddy comedy duo as Detective James Carter and Chief Inspector Lee, respectively. Carter, a maverick in the LAPD, is not well-liked among his peers, which is why he is assigned the task of overseeing Lee during his visit to Los Angeles.
Although Lee’s legal powers cease once he leaves Hong Kong, he is on a personal mission to save Soo-Yung Han (Julia Hsu), the daughter of a diplomat who has been kidnapped by a secretive drug lord named Juntao. Despite their initial disagreements, Carter and Lee discover admirable qualities in each other, leading them to join forces. Once united, this unlikely duo is virtually unstoppable.
Stream Rush Hour on Netflix.
The Addams Family (1991)
Anjelica Huston may be the star of The Addams Family, but it’s Raul Julia who steals the show with his charismatic portrayal of Gomez Addams, Morticia’s (Huston) husband. This film, which will be added to Paramount+ on January 1, 2025, is arguably the best interpretation of Charles Addams’ iconic characters.
The Addams’ corrupt accountant, Tully Alford (Dan Hedaya), plots to rob them of their wealth by introducing Gordon Craven (Christopher Lloyd) as Gomez’s long-lost brother, Fester Addams. Surprisingly, Gomez and the rest of the Addams family welcome him back with open arms.
A young Christina Ricci delivers a standout performance as Wednesday Addams, who along with her brother Pugsley (Jimmy Workman), forms a close bond with Gordon. As Gordon begins to feel a genuine connection with the family, it threatens to derail the entire scheme.
Stream The Addams Family on Paramount+.
