2000s Comedy Movies

The funniest comedy movies of the 2000s decade represent a fascinating transitional era for the genre. The 2000s saw comedy reinventing itself — moving away from the slapstick and physical comedy of the 1990s toward something more character-driven, awkward, and often uncomfortably real. The influence of improvisational filmmaking and the rise of Judd Apatow reshaped what mainstream comedy could look and feel like.

From raunchy R-rated comedies to family-friendly animated hits, from mockumentary-style character studies to big-budget comedic blockbusters, the 2000s produced an extraordinary range of comedic films. Many of the decade’s best comedies have aged remarkably well, their humor grounded in genuine character work rather than dated references or throwaway gags.

From the rise of Judd Apatow comedies to iconic quotable classics, From the rise of Judd Apatow comedies to iconic quotable films, the 2000s were a golden age for big-screen laughs.

Superbad Poster

Superbad

7.6 2007 113 min

Comedy

Directed by Greg Mottola

Anchorman Poster

Anchorman

7.2 2004 94 min

Comedy

Directed by Adam McKay

Mean Girls Poster

Mean Girls

7.1 2004 97 min

Comedy

Directed by Mark Waters

Knocked Up Poster

Knocked Up

6.9 2007 129 min

Comedy, Romance

Directed by Judd Apatow

Shaun of the Dead Poster

Shaun of the Dead

7.9 2004 99 min

Comedy, Horror

Directed by Edgar Wright

Napoleon Dynamite Poster

Napoleon Dynamite

6.9 2004 96 min

Comedy

Directed by Jared Hess

Borat Poster

Borat

7.3 2006 84 min

Comedy

Directed by Larry Charles

Elf Poster

Elf

7.0 2003 97 min

Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Directed by Jon Favreau

The 40-Year-Old Virgin Poster

The 40-Year-Old Virgin

7.1 2005 116 min

Comedy, Romance

Directed by Judd Apatow

Tropic Thunder Poster

Tropic Thunder

7.1 2008 107 min

Comedy, Action, War

Directed by Ben Stiller