Comedy chaos: Prepare to laugh out loud

Laughter is the best medicine. It's an old cliche, but it's also true. Spend an evening this weekend relaxing around the TV – or your mobile – with these new and classic comedy movies.

Whether you enjoy a gentle melodious chuckle or prefer the rapture of an uncontrollable hysterical fit, it’s always a great idea to find the funny in life. To help whip you into an infectious funny frenzy, here's a batch of crowd-pleasing go-to comedies.   

Space Jam 

It’s no secret: Michael Jordan is one of the greatest athletes on the planet. So when he teams up with one of the greatest cartoons (not Bill Murray), it can only lead to something timeless and truly iconic. When the Looney Tunes are forced to rival the Monstars to win their freedom from an amusement park planet, Bugs Bunny calls on the help of the world and possibly universe’s best basketball player. 

A nostalgic blend of live-action and animation, this unique sports comedy is a simple yet entertaining and fun-filled treat for the whole family. Sporting Michael Jordan’s athleticism, charms and classic Looney Tunes hijinx, Space Jam is an out-of-this-world slam dunk. 

Groundhog Day

Bill Murray is living the same day over and over again in Groundhog Day. This comedy classic finds Murray playing a narcissistic weatherman who finds himself trapped in a time loop. Directed by fellow Ghostbuster Harold Ramis, this is Bill Murray in top gear, starring in a movie with a metaphysical message that almost every religion wants to claim for themselves. 

As each new day rolls around, Phil tries to figure out how he’s going to play his cards differently. When he’s exhausted every possible avenue and exit strategy, he starts to realise he may never escape the time loop hell. Hilarious, rewatchable and strangely philosophical, Groundhog Day is funny on so many levels.  

Dumb and Dumber 

Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels are Dumb and Dumber, co-starring as dim-witted buddies in what must surely be the funniest Farrelly brothers comedy. In the prime of his comedic genius with enough bravado to just let it rip, Carrey chose Daniels as his unconventional straight man and partner in comedy. Together these buffoons shine with authentic performances, great love for their silly characters and plenty of unrequited bromance. 

Watch Dumb and Dumber for Lloyd’s bowl hairstyle, Harry’s remodelled dog van and a surge of quotable quotes that punctuate their misguided cross-country road trip to return a mislaid briefcase to a pretty lady. Just when you think the dumb fun couldn’t get dumber or funnier … it does!  

The Longest Yard

Adam Sandler is Happy Gilmore, The Waterboy and a one-man walking film brand. You already know what to expect from Sandler who plays disgraced NFL quarterback Paul Crewe in this remake of the classic Burt Reynolds football comedy The Longest Yard. An underdog sports comedy with a dash of prison drama, this entertaining jaunt finds Sandler coaching a group of inmates who need the inspiration and drive to thrive in a prison football game. 

What this easy-going, engaging and fun remake lacks in grit, it more than makes up for in laughs and action-packed football sequences. Supported by Chris Rock, Terry Crews, Burt Reynolds and Nelly, Sandler delivers with Peter Segal at the helm after teaming up for 50 First Dates and Anger Management. 

Ocean’s 8 

Ocean’s 8 is a glitzy, lightweight and fun heist movie that reworks the rat pack angle with a fabulous all-female crew and an art gallery instead of a casino. Amusing, elegant and sleek, it’s fun to see an A-list cast getting into crime caper mode in a spirited film that recalls the charm and mischief of The Italian Job.  

Led by Cate Blanchett and Sandra Bullock, the sparkling supporting cast includes Anne Hathaway, Awkwafina, Helena Bonham Carter, Rihanna and Mindy Kaling. Seeing Debbie Ocean’s team form, storm and norm is all part of the witty and twisty fun as they try to steal $150 million worth of diamonds. Getting away with a heist at the Met has never been more bubbly, breezy and fun than in this heist caper.  

Austin Powers 

According to Mike Myers, it only took a few weeks to write Austin Powers, basing the secret agent on James Bond’s savvy, Evelyn Tremble’s bumbling charm, Harry Palmer’s glasses and the 1960s grooviness of British TV personality Simon Dee. The outrageous British spy survived cryogenic freezing to take the world by storm with sequels in The Spy Who Shagged Me and Goldmember. 

At the height of his powers (excuse the pun), Myers lampoons Bond with a campy and hilarious homage that brings together some of the best and most entertaining 007 elements. From his strangely magnetic appeal and thick-rimmed glasses, Myers turns this fun espionage spoof into a laugh riot with memorable quotes, over-the-top characters and ridiculously entertaining spy vs. villain scenarios. 

Pineapple Express 

As the title would suggest, if you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced and entertaining ride, watch Pineapple Express. Seth Rogen and James Franco’s undeniable charm and chemistry is the fuel to this dumpster fire after Saul witnesses a murder whilst high on a rare strain of marijuana that can be traced back to him.  

Going from high to high-octane, this entertaining feel-good comedy delivers laughs with many memorable scenes, quotable lines and wild action sequences. A stoner comedy cult classic to make Cheech & Chong proud, Pineapple Express more than earns its comparisons to Superbad and Knocked Up. Don’t forget the snacks!  

Game Night 

Game Night is a fast-paced, fun and highly entertaining action-crime comedy that’s perfect for movie night. In the spirit of Date Night, the caper stars Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams as a competitive couple who realise they’re in over their heads when their weekly game night becomes a murder mystery with real-life consequences. 

Spurred by great co-lead chemistry, Game Night keeps you guessing with many unexpected twists-and-turns, weaving game-themed elements and surprising plot twists into the mix. Taking much of what makes game night oodles of fun … yes oodles, this amusing and zippy thrill ride keeps things upbeat, engaging and wonderfully enjoyable.