In a world where time is a luxury and attention spans are running short, a well-crafted comedy movie under 90 minutes can be a golden ticket to a breather filled with laughter. No need to cancel your evening plans or set aside an entire afternoon; these short yet brilliant films are curated for your busy life, offering you a break that’s just as funny as it’s brief. Here’s a roundup of the top 10 comedy movies that you can watch start-to-finish in less than an hour and a half.
Why Less Can be More: The Appeal of Short Comedies
“People lead increasingly busy lives… It’s sometimes challenging to commit to a lengthy cinematic experience,” says a modern film observer. And that’s precisely why shorter comedy films have been thriving. They offer a quick dose of escapism, where humor and brevity come together, making us laugh without demanding much of our time. It’s like having your cake and eating it too—but in comedic form.
Scary Movie 2: A Tribute to All Things Absurd
“If you’re a fan of the Wayans brothers’ unique brand of raucous and irreverent comedy, Scary Movie 2 is definitely still worth watching,” notes one reviewer. Clocking in at 82 minutes, this horror-comedy parody doesn’t outstay its welcome. From poking fun at classics like ‘The Exorcist’ to ‘Poltergeist,’ it offers a hilarious spin on several horror films, giving you a laugh riot in under an hour and a half.
Stream on Max
The Little Shop of Horrors: A Cult Classic Unearthed
1960’s The Little Shop of Horrors is a “hidden gem that has left an indelible mark on cinema.” Directed by Roger Corman, the 72-minute black-and-white film is an offbeat delight that sets the tone for the genre of horror-comedy. It’s more than just a movie; it’s a cornerstone of campy storytelling that’s perfect for those who have a penchant for the peculiar.
Rent on AppleTV
Johnny English: The Unlikely Savior
Johnny English, the bumbling spy played by Rowan Atkinson, offers a fresh and playful perspective on the world of espionage. A “tongue-in-cheek take,” as one might call it. Rowan Atkinson’s impeccable comic timing makes this 88-minute movie a joy to watch, ensuring non-stop laughter for its entire runtime.
Stream on Starz
The Dark Comedy of Shakes the Clown
“Shakes, a hard-drinking, party-loving clown, finds himself entangled in a web of bizarre circumstances,” and this sums up the eccentric narrative of Shakes the Clown. Clocking in at 87 minutes, the movie delivers dark humor and unconventional storytelling, perfect for those who like their comedy with a bit of an edge.
Stream on Prime Video
The Naked Gun: Comedy at Its Best
At 85 minutes, The Naked Gun capitalizes on Leslie Nielsen’s incredible knack for deadpan humor, continuing the tradition of slapstick comedy, started by ‘Airplane!’. In Nielsen’s iconic role of Detective Frank Drebin, the film hits all the right comedic notes.
Rent on AppleTV
Scary Movie: Lampooning Horror with Laughs
With Scary Movie, you get a hilarious take on some of the era’s most famous horror movies, like ‘Scream’ and ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer.’ At 88 minutes, it demonstrates how a shorter comedy can still pack a potent punch of humor and irreverence.
Rent on AppleTV
This Is Spinal Tap: The Original Mockumentary
In 82 minutes, This Is Spinal Tap gives us a humor-filled look into the lives of rockstars. Even if you’re not a fan of rock music, you can’t help but smile at the film’s clever and enduring humor.
Buy on AppleTV
Office Space: The Quirks of 9-to-5 Life
The 89-minute Office Space is a “bonafide cult classic” that resonates with anyone who has ever stepped foot in an office. From the jamming printers to the questionable co-workers, this movie covers it all, satirically of course.
Rent on AppleTV
Zombieland: A Gore-Soaked Laugh Riot
Zombieland offers a fast-paced adventure full of “rapid-fire humor and memorable moments,” making it a true modern masterpiece in the comedy genre. Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg perfectly balance each other in this 88-minute film.
Stream on Starz
Airplane!: The Movie That Changed Comedy
“Airplane! redefined the genre of spoof movies and paved the way for a whole new comedic version of Nielsen,” reads a movie review. At 88 minutes, Airplane! manages to change the game of comedy, setting a new benchmark for parody.
Rent on AppleTV
And there you have it—a succinct guide to comedy films that fit perfectly into your busy lifestyle. So the next time you’re scrolling through streaming options, remember this list, and get ready to laugh your way through the best comedies under 90 minutes.
