Best Comedies on Disney Plus Streaming Right Now (May 2023)

Run Time: 1 hr 37 min | Director: Gil Junger

Cast: Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon-Levitt

It was a surprisingly progressive take on the teen comedy. A sneaky adaptation of William Friggin’ Shakespeare. A prescient incubator of incredible talent. And one of the many incredible films produced in 1999. It’s 10 Things I Hate About You, and if you’re surprised to hear that the iconoclastic, PG-13-rated romcom is available on the ostensibly family-friendly Disney+ — buddy, so am I! But I highly encourage you to convert that potential energy into kinetic energy and give this picture a stream. Diving cleverly headfirst into the problematic politics of The Taming of the Shrew headfirst, Julia Stiles stars as the rebellious, snarky, and upon modern eyes “usually correct” Kat. She is set up with bad boy Patrick (Heath Ledger, of course) by good boy Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, of course) in a scheme to help Cameron wind up with Kat’s younger, popular sister Bianca (Larisa Oleynik). Compared to many of the other teen romcoms of this era, 10 Things I Hate About You is uncommonly sensitive, nuanced, and pointed in its comic targets. It’s the perfect film for the “teenager who doesn’t want to admit they have deep feelings even though they absolutely do” in all of us. — Gregory Lawrence

Run Time: 1 hr 50 min | Director: Andy Fickman

Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Kyra Sedgwick, Madison Pettis

The Game Plan is one the best films in Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s early career, and we will not be taking questions. Made at a time when a common studio formula was to pair a tough guy with a young girl to soften him up, this movie stands out among the crowd due to the full cast of huge personalities giving their all to draw out as many laughs as they can. Johnson plays an NFL Quarterback who finds out he has an eight-year-old daughter, which forces him to reevaluate his priorities — will it be playoffs or playtime that wins his attention?

Run Time: 1 hr 47 min | Director: Kevin Lima

Cast: Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Timothy Spall, Idina Menzel, and Susan Sarandon

Considering Enchanted came out before the latest wave of Disney Princess films like Tangled, Frozen, and The Princess and the Frog, it’s fair to say that Giselle (Amy Adams) paved the way for the last decade and a half of princesses. And how could she not, since Disney’s first real dissection of their own films is ridiculously charming, thanks in no small part to an endlessly delightful performance by Adams, who is somehow always gleeful, but never irritating. As an animated princess who comes to New York City, Adams’ Giselle is in awe of this new world she’s fallen into, one where happily ever after isn’t as easy as it seems. With an equally great supporting cast that includes an over-the-top James Marsden and a pre-Frozen Idina Menzel, Enchanted isn’t just the catalyst for Disney princess films, it’s also one of Disney’s best live-action films in recent memory. — Ross Bonaime

Run Time: 1 hr 30 min | Director: Anya Adams

Cast: Wendi McLendon-Covey, Milo Manheim, Peyton Elizabeth Lee

Senior year of high school is one of the most stressful times in a young girl’s life — so many questions linger in the air about the next steps and regrets about what they’re leaving behind. Prom Pact takes those stresses and weaves them into a sweet comedy about making lifelong memories and looking past the image that people project. Peyton Elizabeth Lee (Andi Mack) plays Mandy Yang, a driven student who desperately wants to get into Harvard and makes a plan to befriend the school’s most popular jock, Graham Lansing, to weasel a recommendation out of his senator father. However, in the midst of her plan, she discovers a new side of Graham — and herself — that she never expected. – Tauri Miller

Run Time: 1 hr 58 min | Director: Peyton Reed

Cast: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Peña, Hannah John-Kamen, Michelle Pfeiffer

Taking place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe after the events of Captain America: Civil War, Ant-Man and the Wasp follows Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) as he reunites with Hope van Dyne. (Evangeline Lilly) and Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) on a secret and urgent new mission. Delightfully action-packed and bursting with Marvel’s signature humor, Ant-Man and the Wasp perfectly pairs a story of family and resilience with fighting and mystery. Considered a fantastic follow-up to Ant-Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp continues director Peyton Reed’s clear vision for the shrinking hero. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 42 min | Director: Don Hall, Qui Nguyen

Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jaboukie Young-White, Gabrielle Union, Dennis Quaid

Co-directed by Don Hall and Qui Nguyen, Strange World is a vividly animated film featuring the voices of Jake Gyllenhaal (Spider-man: Far From Home), Jaboukie Young-White (Only Murders in the Building), Gabrielle Union, and Dennis Quaid. Strange World follows the Clade family, an exciting group of explorers who, along with their three-legged dog, blob, and a few ravenous creatures, navigate uncharted and treacherous lands. A charming and sweet family movie, Strange World is a science-fiction action-adventure layered with messages like the struggles of differences within families, as well as the benefits that each viewpoint can provide. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 2 hrs | Director: Andrew Davis

Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight

Holes is one of the most beloved and cherished performances from Disney channel alum Shia LaBeouf (Transformers). LaBeouf stars as Stanley, a boy wrongfully convicted of a crime whose punishment is served by inexplicably digging mysterious holes in a brutal detention camp in the desert. Based on the novel by Louis Sachar and directed by Andrew Davis, Holes is a unique story with a charming message supported by an unparalleled cast, including Sigourney Weaver (Avatar: The Way of Water) and Jon Voight (Ray Donovan). Capturing the story’s humor and heart, Davis integrates the vastness and dry scenery in Holes to captivate his audience. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 50 min | Director: Sharon Maguire

Cast: Jillian Bell, Isla Fisher, Jillian Shea Spaeder, June Squibb

A charmingly playful comedy, Godmothered stars Jillian Bell (I’m Totally Fine) as an inexperienced young fairy godmother-in-training who ventures out without supervision to prove, on her own, that people still need fairy godmothers. Bell’s bubbly ethereal character, Eleanor, set against the backdrop of city life, relies on physical comedy and fish-out-of-water experiences for an entertaining performance. With the whimsy of Enchanted, the energy of Elf, and unique mythology like The School for Good and Evil, Godmothered provides a fun family film while allowing the incomparable Isla Fisher (Now You See Me) to play against type, taking on the role of a stern and stressed single mom whom Eleanor attempts to help. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 51 min | Director: Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava

Cast: Brad Garrett, Lou Romano, Patton Oswalt, Janeane Garofalo

An adorable animated comedy about following your dreams, Ratatouille comes from Brad Bird (The Incredibles), who co-directed it with Jan Pinkava. Taking place in Paris, France, Ratatouille follows a foodie rat with dreams to experience the finest flavors and become a renowned chef. Featuring The Sandman’s Patton Oswalt as the voice of Remy the rat, Ratatouille explores themes of persistence and passion – even when infeasible and contrary to family expectations. Pairing Remy with an unlikely ally, accident-prone garbage boy Linguini (Lou Romano), Ratatouille shows these two learn to trust each other in hopes of changing their lives, as well as the culinary world they wish to call home. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 37 min | Director: Akiva Schaffer

Cast: John Mulaney, Andy Samberg, KiKi Layne, Will Arnett

Taking place three decades after their popular TV show ended, Chip (John Mulaney) and Dale (Andy Samberg) find themselves in very different places. Though they were best friends since childhood, after Dale got his own show, the two had a falling out. Nowadays, Chip sells insurance, while Dale spends most of his time meeting fans at conventions. However, the two must reunite when one of their old castmates goes missing, working together to save their friend. Masterfully blending live-action and animation, Chip ’n Dale Rescue Rangers is genuinely hilarious fun for the whole family. – Taylor Gates

Run Time: 1 hr 45 min | Director: Andy Fickman

Cast: Kristen Bell, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver, Odette Yustman, Kristin Chenoweth

You Again is a solid comedy featuring an A-list cast, including Betty White’s final live-action film performance. The movie centers around Marni (Kristen Bell), a successful PR executive who returns home for her brother’s (James Wolk) wedding. However, things get complicated when she discovers the woman he’s about to marry is Joanna (Odette Yustman), who bullied her in high school. To make matters even more complex, Marni’s mother, Gail (Jamie Lee Curtis), also finds out Joanna’s aunt Ramona (Sigourney Weaver) is her ex-best friend, their relationship having ended on terrible terms. Both silly and savage, You Again makes for an enjoyable story of revenge, forgiveness, and the inherently messy nature of family. – Taylor Gates

Run Time: 1 hr 41 min | Director: Larry Shaw

Cast: Hilary Duff, Christy Carlson Romano, Gary Cole

Hilary Duff (How I Met Your Father) stars in the cherished classic Disney Channel Original Movie Cadet Kelly as an artistic girl who is sent to military school. Fighting to keep her individuality and creativity alive, Kelly stands up against the institution and the commanding officer intent on keeping her in line (Christy Carlson Romano). The tension and chemistry between these two young actors captivate, generating immense excitement as their journey from enemies to sisterhood unfolds. A funny and meaningful film about inner strength, friendship, and overcoming adversity, Cadet Kelly is an inspirational movie for young women everywhere. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 48 min | Director: Tim Miller

Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein

One of the top 10 highest-grossing movies on 2016, Deadpool found both financial and critical success when it was released. The film centers around Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds), aka Deadpool, a wisecracking mercenary who gets diagnosed with cancer. He gets offered an experimental cure for his illness by a mysterious stranger and, after undergoing the treatment, becomes immortal but is left severely scarred. He then goes on a mission to cure his disfigurement. Deadpool was a pioneer in the superhero space, proving that R-rated superhero films could be a huge success. If you’re looking for something fast, funny, and downright filthy at times, make this your next movie night. – Taylor Gates

Run Time: 1 hr 34 min | Director: Jim Fall

Cast: Hilary Duff, Adam Lamberg, Clayton Snyder

After graduating from middle school, flighty and clumsy Lizzie McGuire heads to Italy on a graduation trip with her classmates. In the role that made Hilary Duff (Younger) a household name, The Lizzie McGuire Movie brings the hilariously talented cast of the hit Disney Channel series to the big screen. The film provides Duff a platform to remind audiences once again that she’s oozing with talent – especially when her character collaborates with a certified pop star, also played by Duff, while in Rome. Even with a trip across the globe, The Lizzie McGuire Movie ensures fan-favorite characters get screen time – including her parents, played by comedy icon Robert Carradine and Hallie Todd. But it wouldn’t be a Disney Channel flick without a love interest, this time in the form of hot Italian boy Paolo (Yani Gellman). – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 57 min | Director: John Lasseter

Cast: Owen Wilson, Bonnie Hunt, Paul Newman, Larry the Cable Guy

If you’ve ever doubted the success of Pixar’s Cars franchise, just visit “Carsland” at Disney World. The original Cars gets a bad rap. It’s easy to loop it in with the disastrous Cars 2 and the forgettable Cars 3, but the first installment in the series is a perfectly charming entry in Pixar’s filmography. There’s a beautiful message in Cars; you don’t have to race through life to enjoy it. Larry the Cable Guy doesn’t get nearly as much screen time as he does in the subsequent installments, and Cars also marks one of the great Paul Newman’s last appearances. –Liam Gaughan

Run Time: 1 hr 55 min | Director: Shawn Levy

Cast: Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Piper Perabo, Hilary Duff, Tom Welling, Richard Jenkins, Ashton Kutcher

After years of compromising their careers, Tom (Steve Martin) and Kate (Bonnie Hunt) move their 12 kids to a new city for Tom’s new coaching job just as Kate’s memoir is being published. When Kate leaves to go on her book tour, Tom takes over managing the household and his new team, which proves to be a bigger undertaking than he was expecting. The kids bring their shenanigans to create even more chaos, including a prank involving soaking underwear in meat. With a family this big, the laughs in Cheaper by the Dozen are equally as big and heartwarming as this family has to rely on each other through the trials and change. – Meredith Loftus

Run Time: 1 hr 55 min | Director: Shawn Levy

Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Lil Rel Howery, Joe Keery, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Taika Waititi

The Truman Show meets Ready Player One in this action-comedy directed by Shawn Levy. Ryan Reynolds trades out his signature Deadpool humor for the wholesome Guy, a non-player character who decides to break out of his mold and be his own hero. As he does, he partners with Millie (Jodie Comer), another player who’s trying to prove that the CEO of the gaming company (Taika Waititi) stole her and her former partner’s (Joe Keery) coding. Free Guy packs comedy, surprise cameos, pop culture references, and a whole lot of heart to keep you entertained with its clever concept. – Meredith Loftus

Run Time: 1 hr 48 min | Director: Shawn Levy

Cast: Ben Stiller, Carla Gugino, Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, Bill Cobbs, and Robin Williams

The Night at the Museum franchise is a family favorite, but the 2006 original remains the best entry in the series thus far. Ben Stiller plays the new night watchman at New York City’s Museum of Natural History who finds himself in over his head when a magical artifact brings all the exhibits to life. The film plays fast and loose with history, but it’s tons of fun to see all the celebrity cameos throughout playing famous historical figures. And of course, the late great Robin Williams is a highlight. – Adam Chitwood

Run Time: 1 hr 21 min | Director: Kevin Lima

Cast: Jason Marsden, Bill Farmer, Jim Cummings, Kellie Martin, Rob Paulsen, Wallace Shawn, Jenna von Oÿ

You can keep your “Belle.” Your “Arabian Nights.” Your “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”, while you’re at it. For my money, the best Disney opening number is and always will be “After Today” from A Goofy Movie. Set at the outset of the last day of school, the tune encapsulates all of the joys of A Goofy Movie perfectly. It’s upbeat and contemporary in a way not many classically-paced Disney musicals are. It’s packed with gags and — dare I say — goofs in nearly every new couplet. And it’s got a surprising amount of melancholy at its core — particularly regarding Max’s yearning to be seen as cool. You see, Max is trying to have a fulfilling social life and figure out who he is as a teenager. But his dad — who happens to be very famous Disney character Goofy — doesn’t want to let him go. So instead of a summer vacation full of teenage creature comforts like pools, malls, and crushes, Max is stuck on a dang fishing trip with his goofy-ass dad. The film nimbly shifts between excellent fish-out-of-water comedy (no pun intended) and gut-punching moments of growth, particularly for a character who’s primarily known for saying, “Garsh!” Give A Goofy Movie a watch, and good luck getting “After Today” out of your head. — Gregory Lawrence

Run Time: 1 hr 37 min | Director: Robert Stevenson

Cast: Fred MacMurray, Nancy Olson, Tommy Kirk, Keenan Wynn, Elliott Reid

Did you, like me, grow up with the Robin Williams-starring Flubber? And did you, like me, always find it just a little too maniacally paced and pandering toward “cool ‘90s culture,” youth pastor style? ThenThe Absent-Minded Professor will play like a breath of fresh air for you. Made in 1961, The Absent-Minded Professor (unrelated to the Jerry Lewis/Eddie Murphy Nutty Professor-verse) follows Professor Brainard (Fred MacMurray), a rather, um, “scatterbrained educator” who accidentally invents a brand new chemical substance he calls “flying rubber.” Which is to say, “Flubber.” This discovery causes all kinds of silly sub-plots to bounce around each other, including the accidental standing up of and attempts to re-woo a bride-to-be (Nancy Olson), the capitalistic attempts to exploit Flubber from a villainous corporate stooge (Keenan Wynn), and all kinds of damn hijinks involving sports, cars, and everything else that could possibly bounce. The film, in glorious black and white, just oozes with a timeless, classical, old-fashioned charm that a CGI green blob shaking its booty could never hope to replicate. — Gregory Lawrence