HBO Max is a streaming platform that offers thousands of movies and TV shows to watch from the comfort of your couch. The name is the newest update for the brand, which combines HBO Go and HBO Now together.
Besides HBO Originals, the streaming service offers award-winning movies from studios such as Warner Bros, Universal Pictures, and 20th Century, as well as many acclaimed series. HBO Max allows users to simultaneously stream content on up to three devices at once and download content to watch later.
If you’re looking for a laugh, HBO Max has plenty of funny movies to watch. HBO also has some epic comedy series and shows to giggle along with, too. While HBO Max features same-day premieres, it’s worth noting that some of the best HBO Max comedy movies and comedy series are older, more cult classics, versus newer comedies. This service is especially fitting for those who love to re-watch some of their favorite comedy shows and films from the 1990s and 2000s.
Without further ado, these are the best comedy movies and series to watch on HBO Max.
What are the best comedy movies and shows on HBO Max?
- The Wedding Singer (1998)
- Clueless (1995)
- Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
- Dumb & Dumber (1994)
- 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
- The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990)
- Big Bang Theory (2007)
- South Park (1997)
- Friends (1994)
- Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000)
The Wedding Singer
- Release Year: 1998
- Rating: PG-13
- Stars: 4
The Wedding Singer is a hit movie starring Adam Sandler that will leave viewers both laughing and crying. Sandler’s character, Robbie Hart, a wedding singer, is devastated after his fiancé Linda leaves him at the altar. Robbie then meets Julia Sullivan (Drew Barrymore), who is engaged to be married to Glenn.
After a few typical romantic comedy-style misunderstandings, including Glenn cheating on Julia and Linda attempting to win Robbie back, Robbie and Julia fall in love, all to viewers’ delight. Anyone who is an Adam Sandler fan will love this film, as Barrymore and Sandler both embody their roles to absolute comedic perfection.
Clueless
- Release Year: 1995
- Rating: PG-13
- Stars: 5
Clueless stars Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz, a wealthy teen living in Beverly Hills. The movie, which is considered a cult classic, follows Cher and her best friend Dionne (Stacey Dash) as they befriend the new girl at school, Tai (Brittany Murphy).
After harrowing and hilarious run-ins with mean girl Amber, matchmaking schemes, wild parties, and failed attempts at seduction (Cher unsuccessfully tries to win over the cool kid Christian, who she later realizes is gay), Cher begins to realize there’s more to life than just fashion. And, fashionistas will love viewing the wardrobe for this iconic film.
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
- Release Year: 1997
- Rating: PG-13
- Stars: 4
This comedy full of action is a parody based on James Bond and 1960’s spy movies in general. Austin Powers, a spy, plots to take down his arch-nemesis, Dr. Evil. These characters were cryogenically frozen in the 1960s, later waking up in the 1990s to wreak havoc. Ironically, both characters are portrayed by actor Mike Meyers.
Sequels to the movie include Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) and
Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002). There are rumors that a fourth movie may be in the works, too.
Dumb & Dumber
- Release Year: 1994
- Rating: PG-13
- Stars: 4.5
Dumb & Dumber is a fan-favorite for those who love Jim Carrey. Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) and Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels) are two sweet but empty-headed friends and roommates. After Lloyd picks up a briefcase left by his love interest, Mary (Lauren Holly) in the airport, not realizing she left the briefcase as a ransom for her kidnapped husband, the duo finds themselves in a serious pickle.
They flee to Aspen in search of Mary, with the bad guys in close pursuit. A series of comical mishaps follow their every move, including kidnapping and shootout.
40-Year-Old Virgin
- Release Year: 2005
- Rating: R
- Stars: 4.5
The title of this HBO comedy movie says it all. Judd Apatow fans will delight in watching Steve Carrell in his quest to lose his virginity. From speed dating to chest waxing, viewers will watch and laugh as this 40-year-old introvert attempts to woo Trish. The duo then decides to consummate their relationship on their twentieth date.
As one might guess, things don’t exactly go as planned, but the ride is definitely a fun one. Plus, you’ll laugh even harder at the comedian co-stars of this movie, which include Seth Rogan, Elizabeth Banks, and Paul Rudd.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
- Release Year: 1990
- # of Seasons: 6 (plus a reunion episode)
Will Smith plays a version of himself in this sitcom, a teen who leaves the mean streets of Philly to live with his wealthy aunt and uncle (and cousins Hilary, Ashley, and Carlton) in a fancy mansion in Bel-Air. In fact, the famed theme song of the series explains the background of the show, rapped by Will Smith himself.
A classic that ran on NBC for six seasons, Fresh Prince, now on HBO Max, showcases the juxtaposition between Will’s rather normal life back in Philadelphia with the fancy, upper-crust society of Bel-Air — and with his cousins themselves. Once you’ve watched all 6 seasons, you can also watch the reunion special on HBO Max, which was released in late 2020.
Big Bang Theory
- Release Year: 2007
- # of Seasons: 12
This comedic sitcom follows the lives of roommates Sheldon Cooper and Leonard Hofstadter, two genius physicists at Caltech. They, plus their friends, astrophysicists Raj Koothrappali and aerospace engineer Howard Wolowitz, often find themselves in daily situations that would be normal for most but are hilarious to watch thanks to their socially awkward, geeky personalities.
Adding in nerdy neuroscientist Amy Farrah Fowler and microbiologist Bernadette Rosenkowski to the mix gives the series an even funnier twist. Big Bang Theory’s only ‘normal’ character, Penny, a waitress, finds all the science stuff rather confusing, causing her to both click and clash with the genius crew as viewers chuckle along.
South Park
- Release Year: 1997
- # of Seasons: 24 (and counting)
HBO Max now holds the exclusive rights to air South Park, an animated show known for its dark, satirical humor that’s been on the air for over two decades. South Park pokes fun at current events, celebrities — pretty much anyone and anything — with its parodies and twisted humor. Most appropriate for an adult audience (expect plenty of profanity), join Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Eric Cartman, and Kenny McCormick for all the fun as they experience life in the small town of — you guessed it — South Park.
The show has won a variety of awards and ranked as the 10th Greatest TV Cartoon of All Time by TV Guide. South Park has been renewed through 2022, meaning 25th and 26th seasons are underway.
Friends
- Release Year: 1994
- # of Seasons: 17 plus a reunion special
Another series exclusive to HBO Max, this show is about a quintessential group of friends living in New York City. With stars like Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer portraying the main characters, you’ll no doubt be laughing in no time.
The show follows this group of friends through life, love, career, and relationships, highlighting each character’s stereotypical behavior: Monica is the neurotic one, Joey is the womanizer, and Phoebe is the crazy one. Meanwhile, Chandler is sarcastic, Rachel is ditzy, and Ross is timid and insecure.
Friends has been nominated for 62 Primetime Emmy Awards, winning in 2002 as an Outstanding Comedy Series. A reunion special was released on HBO Max in 2021.
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Curb Your Enthusiasm
- Release Year: 2000
- # of Seasons: 10 (and counting)
An HBO Original series, Curb Your Enthusiasm is a critically acclaimed show that stars Larry David portraying an exaggerated version of himself. Larry is a socially inept, retired TV producer. The show follows his trials and errors alongside his wife Cheryl, best friend Jeff, and Jeff’s wife Susie.
The title is named for Larry’s disdain for those who show ‘fake’ or ‘over exaggerated’ enthusiasm, as well as a sign to viewers to hold low expectations for the show. This is a prime example of the show’s wit and dry humor. Curb Your Enthusiasm won a Golden Globe in 2002 for Best Comedy Television Series and has been renewed for an 11th season, airing on HBO Max in late 2021.
