Top 15 Funniest Performances of the Last Decade

“Hit Man” (2023)


Even with all of his high-profile work in the last few years, Glen Powell might be at his best in “Hit Man.” This collaboration with director Richard Linklater offers the actor a multi-layered role full of comedic exchanges. Gary Johnson helps the cops run sting operations, forcing him to dive deep into fake personas and improvise. Powell turns on the charm as his character invents situations and dialogue that you’re enthralled by. The actor co-wrote the script, adding to his ease with the material and banter with co-star Adria Arjona. He’s able to mix the tension and comedy of the piece, wowing you with his schemes.

“Hail, Caesar!” (2016)


In this Coen brothers film, Alden Ehrenreich plays a Western star Hobie Doyle who’s entering more elaborate dramas. This allows the actor to play the fish out of water in fantastic and funny scenes. One of his finest moments comes when he has to pronounce a particular line. You both feel for his character and enjoy watching him be in way over his head. Ehrenreich does the role justice, with the audience wondering what he’ll say or do next. Whether he’s doing rope tricks or impressing a date, the performer is a breath of fresh air as the comical and innocent personality. He might be the standout performance of the entire film, beating out other A-listers like Ralph Fiennes and Josh Brolin.

“Game Night” (2018)


Gary Kingsbury isn’t exactly the best guest, but he is a welcome comedic presence in “Game Night.” Jesse Plemons is so understated and dry that you hang on his every word, with his thoughts on Frito-Lay products being especially memorable. This makes for plenty of subtle moments and even a few surprises. Plemons might be one of the most gifted actors working today, able to switch from dramatic roles to this great comedy part. His dynamic with the group is so lovably odd that you can’t help but giggle. He’s the not-so-hidden gem of it all, giving the absurd plot a delicate balance of unexpected laughs.

“Bottoms” (2023)


For everyone who was awkward in school, this comic performance is a tour-de-force. Ayo Edebiri couldn’t be more charming as Josie. Hoping to impress other girls, she and Rachel Sennott’s PJ create a fight club. Edebiri’s character is a ball of complex emotions and cringe, learning to fight along the way. It’s so endearing and funny to watch her perform, with the actress bringing authenticity to a ridiculous script. She also adds some comedic highlights to the final brawl on a football field. “Bottoms” is an in-your-face film that works even better because of this star’s hilarious acting choices.

“The Death of Stalin” (2017)


Armando Iannucci’s take on the political world of post-Stalin USSR finds a way to make complicated history funny. He also fills out a cast of international actors such as Jason Isaacs, who bring a comical energy to serious material. While many of these historical characters are playing it close to the vest, this one bursts through scenes like a sledgehammer. He’s a motor-mouthed military man full of insults and dark humor. Zhukov can scare people and then land a joke, giving Isaacs frequent chances to score laughs. He makes this sharply-written script sing in sequences that blur the line between broad comedy and pointed satire.

“Booksmart” (2019)

At the end of high school, Molly Davidson and her friend Amy Antsler contemplate their lives before college. This prompts a last-ditch effort to have fun before graduating. Davidson is played with believability by Beanie Feldstein, embodying all the pent-up energy and natural humor of teenage angst. She plays a class president who starts to lose her grip on her life and friendship. Regardless of the real-world problems here, Feldstein delivers a hilarious performance and some effective interplay with co-star Kaitlyn Dever. She isn’t afraid to freak out or show the more awkward aspects of that age, with a contagious energy that doesn’t quit.

“No Hard Feelings” (2023)

She’d already achieved so much in her career, but “No Hard Feelings” let her do a big and bold comedic performance. This film follows the desperate Maddie Barker as she takes a job courting a teenager. It’s an absurd premise, but one that Jennifer Lawrence embraces as a consummate professional. She has fantastic chemistry opposite her younger counterpart Andrew Barth Feldman, with her hero trying to show the latter’s character a good time. Chaos looms at every moment as Barker isn’t exactly the best person for the job. You might laugh during a pepper spray sequence or even the wacky beach fight. Lawrence doesn’t hold back here, going crazy in the funniest way possible.

“Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping” (2016)

No stranger to big comedic swings, Andy Samberg and his Lonely Island crew keep this cult comedy exciting. The lead actor keeps you guessing as the self-centered rapper Conner4Real. In this mockumentary, his increasingly desperate attempts to win over fans create some of the funniest scenes. These include musical numbers that don’t always go over well. “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping” follows the main character’s media circus and eventual reunion with his former collaborators The Style Boyz. Along the way, Samberg offers up an effective parody of musicians who have gotten too big for their own good.

“Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” (2020)

The sequel was another hilarious send-up of American culture courtesy of Sacha Baron Cohen. It also allowed for another star to emerge, giving Maria Bakalova a chance to score laughs as Borat’s daughter Tutar. Her character’s enlightening journey features all kinds of gross-out and physical comedy. Bakalova goes toe-to-toe with Cohen in scenes that would easily stump less-talented performers. Playing opposite a master, the actress more than earns our laughter with some outrageous stunts. She effectively plays up the culture shock and awkwardness of every moment with supreme confidence. Whether she’s dancing or interviewing Rudy Giuliani, her brave performance goes places we never thought possible.

“Paddington 2” (2017)

If you're been a Hugh Grant fan, you probably know him best as a rom-com legend. His roles in both period and modern romances have a guaranteed charm to them. “Paddington 2” turns him into a villain, with a theatrical slant that’s endlessly entertaining. Who knew a screen comedian could be this evil? His crazed antagonist plots to rain on Paddington’s parade, framing the bear for a crime and trying to get away with it. Phoenix Buchanan also allows Grant to poke fun at the self-serious elements of the entertainment industry. With a talent for singing and dancing, the actor also wows viewers with a funny musical number. The film isn’t without its other standout performances, including Brendan Gleeson’s turn as a prison chef.

“Girls Trip” (2017)

On both TV and film, Tiffany Haddish quickly established herself as a powerhouse performer. “Girls Trip” rightfully earned her acclaim and stardom. As one of the most outrageous members of the Flossy Posse, Dina doesn’t have much of a filter. This role is a perfect showcase for Haddish’s lively personality. Her character can’t help but enjoy the craziest parts of the trip, tearing through the vacation with reckless abandon. It’s the kind of supporting part that feels like a lead when the actress enters the scene. Even in a film full of great performers like Regina Hall and Queen Latifah, Haddish can’t help but run away with the movie.

“Knives Out” (2019)

While he might be British, Daniel Craig has created compelling characters with Southern American accents. His role in “Knives Out” is a particular highlight, but before that, he earned welcome laughs as a wily convict in “Logan Lucky.” His work as Benoit Blanc is so good that it demanded a sequel. In the first installment, his detective brings an eccentric flair to a murder investigation. His funny phrases and analogies only make it better. Craig’s performance is bubbling with charisma, enticing the viewer to anxiously await his every line. It just goes to show that this performer is much more versatile than some might give him credit for.

“Spy” (2015)

From a desk worker to a field agent, Susan Cooper goes through a heroic transformation in “Spy.” She’s also a hilarious character who’s making her way through crazy co-workers and dangerous situations. Thanks to Melissa McCarthy, this bumbling hero creates some memorable sequences. She also deals with loose cannons like Jason Statham’s wild Rick Ford. McCarthy is one of the queens of physical comedy, lending her talents to chases and other action scenes. Her energy powers this engaging plot, giving audiences more than a few reasons to laugh in this spy parody. The actress’ work as Cooper redefines the notion of a secret agent that’s both relatable and funny.

“Barbie” (2023)

Who doesn’t love Ken? The hopeless romantic and gullible character steals our hearts thanks to Ryan Gosling’s work. His shocking transformation into an alpha male also gives us more than a few laughs. Gosling’s performance really lets him explore the manic energy of a goofy guy in love, playing the perfect foil to Margot Robbie’s fantastic portrayal of Barbie. At every turn, the actor gives us a new reason to laugh as he embodies the fragile soul of a doll. We can’t forget to mention the performer’s musical abilities either. With the song “I’m Just Ken,” this star solidifies his role as a genuine triple threat.

“Deadpool” franchise (2016-)

With the passionate determination of Ryan Reynolds, the “Deadpool” series became a mega-hit. It also allowed the actor to deliver a snarky hero that redefines the rules of the genre. Breaking the fourth wall, the “Merc with a Mouth” gives Reynolds many opportunities to steal scenes. The snappy and irreverent dialog only works when coming out of a gifted star, giving the movie franchise its signature edge. Through each successful sequel, the performer manages to find new ways to make us laugh with outrageous jokes and incredible references. He also plays especially well off of an eclectic group of actors. While the latter group plays it straight, the lead gets to bounce around them and make fun of everything he sees.


Did we forget any standout comedic performances that you love? Let us know in the comments below.