Movies are often very predictable. They can be formulaic and filled with genre cliches, especially when it comes to horror movies. Many horror movies use tired and overused elements in their stories, despite the fact that the purpose of the genre is to keep audiences on their toes. However, every once in a while, you get a horror movie that’s different from the rest. These horror movies stand out as some of the best because of how they use our expectations against us and continue to surprise us at every turn. This blog post goes through the 10 best horror movies that subvert your expectations.

 

10 Horror Films That Will Keep You Guessing

10. Tucker and Dale vs Evil

Tucker and Dale vs Evil parodies the common, formulaic horror movie and uses our expectations of typical horrors against us to create laugh-out-loud moments. Tucker and Dale vs Evil is about two affable hillbillies, Tucker and Dale, who are on vacation at their run-down mountain cabin but are mistaken for murderers by a group of preppy college students. This is one of the best horror comedies to watch if you need a good time.

 

Where To Watch Tucker and Dale vs Evil for $3.99

Vudu
Apple TV
YouTube
Amazon Prime
Google Play Movies & TV

Tucker and Dale vs Evil is a great movie to watch if you want a subversive horror movie but it’s also a great movie to watch if you want a great comedy. Check out our list of the 25 Best Comedies Released In The 2010s to find other great comedies to watch.

9. Don’t Breathe

Don’t Breathe takes the classic home invasion story and twists it completely on its head. The film is about a trio of young thieves who break into a blind man’s house to steal a fortune, but the blind man turns out to be not as helpless as he seems. The suspense built from the unique situation is palpable and it will take you back to the Hitchcock era. For more films that master the art of tension, explore our ranking of the best thriller movies of all time.

 

Where To Watch Don’t Breathe for $3.99

YouTube
Amazon Prime
Google Play Movies & TV
Vudu
Apple TV

 

8. Ready or Not

It’s easy to make a subversive horror film with comedy. You can use humor to poke fun at typical genre conventions, which makes the experience a lot more lighthearted overall. This is precisely what Ready or Not achieves. Ready or Not centers around a bride’s wedding night which takes a sinister turn when her eccentric new in-laws force her to take part in a terrifying game.

 

Where To Watch Ready or Not for $3.99

Amazon Prime
Vudu
Apple TV

7. The Empty Man

From the marketing, the trailers, and even the title, The Empty Man sounds like a creature feature similar to The Bye Bye Man or Slenderman. However, the film is not what you expect it to be. It’s atmospheric, slow moving, and deeply philosophical. The film was released last year during the quarantine but was overlooked because of the constant news cycles about COVID-19. Now, audiences are beginning to discover the film and give it the recognition it deserves. The Empty Man is about an ex-cop who is looking for a missing girl when he comes across a secretive group attempting to summon a terrifying supernatural entity.

 

Where To Watch The Empty Man

HBO Max

6. Don’t Look Now

Don’t Look Now is a hauntingly atmospheric film that starts to get under your skin from the very first scene. The film is very different from other horror movies. It doesn’t even feel like a horror for most of the film until an unexpected twist shifts the tone completely. Don’t Look Now was released the same year as The Exorcist which might explain why it has been so underappreciated over the years. The film is about a married couple who are grieving the recent death of their young daughter in Venice when they encounter two elderly sisters, one of whom is a psychic and brings a warning from beyond.

 

Where To Watch Don’t Look Now For Free

Pluto TV

5. Get Out

Jordan Peele made a huge directorial debut with Get Out. This horror film is Peele’s subversive response to the horror genre by having a black man as the main character instead of as someone expendable or in a supporting role. It’s also Peele’s subversive response to Hollywood by playing off the white savior cliche and using it against the viewers. Get Out quickly became a cultural phenomenon because of how it examined race in a terrifying yet entertaining way. The film follows a young African-American who visits his white girlfriend’s parents for the weekend, where his simmering uneasiness about their reception of him eventually reaches a boiling point.

 

Where To Watch Get Out for $3.99

YouTube
Amazon Prime
Google Play Movies & TV
Vudu
Apple TV

4. You’re Next

Injecting the final girl horror movie trope with new energy, You’re Next is a film in which the female lead fights back against her attackers. The film is about the Davison family who comes under attack during a wedding anniversary getaway. However, the gang of mysterious killers soon realizes that one of their victims harbors a secret talent for fighting back.

 

Where To Watch You’re Next

Hulu
Amazon Prime w/ Epix

3. Cabin in the Woods

If there was a film that embodied the term subversive, it would be Cabin in the Woods. The film was created as a horror-comedy to poke fun at all the cliches and tropes commonly used in horror movies. The film is about five college friends who vacation at the quintessential cabin in the middle of the woods. While they are there, they get more than they bargained for, discovering the truth behind the cabin.

 

Where To Watch Cabin in The Woods

Peacock

2. Scream

One of the most well-known subversive horror movies ever made. Scream is a horror film made to play on the classic horror genre conventions in a very meta way. The film centers around a teenage girl who is terrorized by a killer that uses horror films as part of a deadly game. Scream is one of the main reasons why subversive horror movies are so popular today.

 

Where To Watch Scream

HBO Max

1. The Exorcist

The Exorcist is not like other horror movies. It doesn’t focus on jump scares or twist endings. Instead, it focuses on a 12-year-old girl who is possessed by a demon and the havoc it wrecks on her life. Although you would expect the film to be sensitive in the actions the 12 year old girl does while being possessed, William Friedkin, the director, does not hold back. The horror of the film comes from the likeness of a 12-year-old girl being forced to do disturbing things while being controlled by a demon. The film was very divisive in its initial release. At many theaters, paramedics were called to treat viewers who fainted or became hysterical.

 

Where To Watch The Exorcist

Youtube
Google Play Movies & TV
Apple TV

 

Subversive Horror Movies Will Always Be Popular

Horror movies like Psycho and The Exorcist have already pushed the boundaries on what audiences expect to see out of a film. However, as horror movies got more popular, formulas and tropes became the norm. Now we are seeing a resurgence of subversive horror movies, which push our boundaries even further. With Halloween fast approaching, we’ll have to wait and see what new subversive horror flicks come out this year.

Related Reading: most fun movies with bad acting • best underrated Christmas movies • best movies about teenagers • most underrated actors and actresses • best sports movies of all time

Related Reading: best Korean horror movies

Frequently Asked Questions

The 2010s represented a golden age for comedy cinema, blending traditional humor with innovative storytelling, diverse voices, and genre-bending approaches. From Judd Apatow’s influential productions to the rise of auteur comedies and streaming-exclusive gems, this decade gave us comedy that was not just funny, but culturally resonant.

Whether you’re looking for feel-good movies to lift your spirits, perfect date night picks, or just want to laugh until it hurts, our ranked list of the 25 best comedy movies of the 2010s has something for everyone.

Why the 2010s Were Transformative for Comedy

The decade saw comedy evolve beyond simple gag-driven humor toward:

• Character-driven narratives: Films like Bridesmaids and The Big Sick proved comedy could tackle deep emotional themes while still delivering consistent laughs
• Genre blending: Movies like Get Out (while primarily horror) and Deadpool showed comedy could work in any genre, from superhero films to psychological thrillers
• Diverse voices: Increased representation behind and in front of the camera brought fresh perspectives and authentic storytelling
• Streaming revolution: Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu began producing comedy specials and films, changing how audiences discovered and consumed comedy
• International breakthroughs: Films like Parasite and The Farewell proved great comedy transcends language and cultural barriers

The Ranking Criteria

Our list evaluates films based on multiple factors to ensure a comprehensive ranking:

• Critical reception: Rotten Tomatoes scores, Metacritic ratings, and critical consensus
• Audience popularity: Box office performance, cultural impact, and lasting fan appreciation
• Influence on subsequent comedy films: How the film shaped the genre and inspired other filmmakers
• Originality and comedic innovation: Fresh approaches to humor, unique premises, and creative execution
• Rewatchability and lasting appeal: Films that hold up on repeat viewing and continue to generate laughs years later
• Streaming availability: Current accessibility across major platforms for easy viewing

25 Best Comedy Movies of the 2010s: The Definitive List

1. Bridesmaids (2011) – The female-led comedy that changed Hollywood forever. Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo’s script proved women-led ensemble comedies could be both critically acclaimed and blockbuster successes. Its blend of crude humor and genuine heart set a new standard for modern comedy. Streaming: Available on various platforms
2. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) – Wes Anderson’s meticulously crafted comedy-drama that balances visual comedy with sophisticated wit. Ralph Fiennes delivers a career-best performance as concierge M. Gustave, earning the film 4 Oscars and widespread critical acclaim. Streaming: Available on Max
3. 21 Jump Street (2012) – The surprisingly smart reboot that understood its source material while adding self-aware humor and genuine chemistry between leads Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill. A masterclass in how to update nostalgia for modern audiences. Streaming: Available on various platforms
4. Booksmart (2019) – Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut that captured Gen-Z experience with unprecedented authenticity. Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever star as academic overachievers who realize they missed out on high school fun, delivering humor that feels both specific and universal. Streaming: Available on various platforms
5. What We Do in the Shadows (2014) – Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi’s mockumentary vampire comedy that spawned a successful TV franchise and influenced comedy for years. The film finds endless humor in the mundane problems of immortal roommates. Streaming: Available on Disney+
6. The Nice Guys (2016) – Shane Black’s buddy comedy that pairs Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling in a hilarious 1970s LA detective story with perfect timing. The film balances noir mystery with laugh-out-loud comedy in a way few films have managed. Streaming: Available on various platforms
7. Game Night (2018) – A clever premise executed to perfection, combining mystery plot mechanics with laugh-out-loud moments and outstanding ensemble chemistry. Rachel McAdams and Jason Bateman lead a cast that makes every scene work. Streaming: Available on various platforms
8. The Big Sick (2017) – Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon’s real-life story that balances cultural comedy, romantic elements, and genuine emotional weight. The film’s honest portrayal of cross-cultural relationships feels both specific and universal. Streaming: Available on various platforms
9. Deadpool (2016) – The R-rated superhero comedy that broke box office records while staying true to its irreverent, fourth-wall-breaking source material. Ryan Reynolds delivers the performance of a lifetime as the Merc with a Mouth. Streaming: Available on Disney+
10. 22 Jump Street (2014) – The sequel that surpassed the original by leaning into self-awareness and commenting on sequel culture while delivering consistent laughs. The film’s meta humor about franchise filmmaking remains remarkably sharp. Streaming: Available on various platforms
11. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) – James Gunn’s space opera that proved Marvel could do comedy as well as action, featuring one of the best soundtracks in cinema history. Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord became an instant icon. Streaming: Available on Disney+
12. The Disaster Artist (2017) – James Franco’s loving tribute to “The Room” that finds humor in ambition, friendship, and the pursuit of artistic dreams despite obvious limitations. A celebration of so-bad-it’s-good cinema. Streaming: Available on various platforms
13. Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010) – A brilliant horror-comedy that turns hillbilly tropes on their head through clever misunderstanding and sincere character moments. The film reinvented the cabin-in-the-woods genre. Streaming: Available on various platforms
14. Hot Tub Time Machine (2010) – Despite its silly premise, this time-travel comedy delivers surprisingly smart humor about friendship, regret, and second chances. John Cusack and Rob Corddry lead an ensemble that commits fully to the absurdity. Streaming: Available on various platforms
15. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010) – Edgar Wright’s visually inventive adaptation that translates video game logic and indie sensibility into pure cinematic joy. Michael Cera delivers his best performance as the titular slacker. Streaming: Available on various platforms
16. Megamind (2010) – DreamWorks’ surprisingly sophisticated take on superhero tropes that explores what happens when the villain actually wins. Will Ferrell voices the blue-skinned baddie with surprising depth. Streaming: Available on various platforms
17. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) – While debated as a “pure” comedy, Martin Scorsese’s excess-fueled satire delivers incredible laughs through Leonardo DiCaprio’s committed performance as Jordan Belfort. Streaming: Available on various platforms
18. The LEGO Movie (2014) – What should have been a toy commercial became a surprisingly profound commentary on creativity, conformity, and heroism that works for all ages. “Everything is awesome” indeed. Streaming: Available on various platforms
19. The World’s End (2013) – Edgar Wright’s conclusion to the Cornetto Trilogy, blending apocalyptic sci-fi with bitter-sweet humor about friendship and growing up. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost deliver their best collaborative work. Streaming: Available on various platforms
20. Wreck-It Ralph (2012) – Disney’s video game movie that works on multiple levels – as kids’ entertainment, gaming nostalgia, and surprisingly deep commentary on identity and purpose. John C. Reilly voices the misunderstood villain. Streaming: Available on Disney+
21. MacGruber (2010) – Based on the SNL sketch, this absurd action-parody commits fully to its ridiculous premise with memorable one-liners and over-the-top action sequences. Will Forte delivers a performance that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. Streaming: Available on various platforms
22. Popstar: Never Stop Stopping (2016) – The Lonely Island’s mockumentary that skewers celebrity culture with surprisingly catchy original songs and cameos from music industry heavyweights. Andy Samberg leads the fictional band The Lonely Island. Streaming: Available on various platforms
23. Isle of Dogs (2018) – Wes Anderson’s stop-motion dog comedy that, despite controversy, showcases his distinctive visual comedy and heartfelt storytelling about loyalty and separation. A visual feast. Streaming: Available on various platforms
24. Sorry to Bother You (2018) – Boots Riley’s surreal directorial debut that starts as workplace comedy and escalates into satirical social commentary with incredible commitment to its bizarre vision. Lakeith Stanfield delivers a breakout performance. Streaming: Available on various platforms
25. Deadpool 2 (2018) – The sequel that manages to be funnier, more emotionally resonant, and just as irreverent as the original, introducing beloved characters like Domino and Cable. Josh Brolin joins the cast as Cable. Streaming: Available on Disney+

Streaming-Era Comedy Gems (2010s)

While theatrical releases dominated early decade comedy, the latter half saw streaming platforms become comedy powerhouses:

• The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021) – Though technically 2021, its roots are in 2010s animation comedy evolution. A visually stunning family comedy that works for all ages. Streaming: Available on Netflix
• Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020) – Will Ferrell’s music comedy that found a perfect home on streaming. A celebration of Eurovision’s glorious absurdity. Streaming: Available on Netflix
• Palm Springs (2020) – The time-loop romantic comedy that proved streamers could deliver theatrical-quality comedy. Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti deliver chemistry that carries the entire film. Streaming: Available on Hulu

International Comedy Breakouts of the 2010s

The decade wasn’t just Hollywood – international cinema delivered exceptional comedy:

• Parasite (2019) – While primarily thriller/satire, its dark comedic elements are masterful. Bong Joon-ho’s film became the first non-English language film to win Best Picture. Streaming: Available on various platforms
• Shoplifters (2018) – Japanese film that finds humor in unconventional family structures. Hirokazu Kore-eda’s gentle touch makes the comedy feel earned rather than forced. Streaming: Available on various platforms
• Roma (2018) – Alfonso Cuarón’s black-and-white masterpiece has moments of profound, quiet humor that balance its heavier themes. A personal story elevated by universal moments. Streaming: Available on Netflix

Frequently Asked Questions: Best Comedies of the 2010s

How Comedy Evolved Through the Decade

The 2010s saw distinct phases in comedy evolution:

Early 2010s (2010-2013): The Apatow Influence

Judd Apatow’s production company dominated with films like Bridesmaids, The 40-Year-Old Virgin (technically 2005 but influential), and Trainwreck, establishing a template for romantic comedies with raunchy humor and emotional depth. This era proved that comedy could be both commercially successful and critically respected.

Mid 2010s (2014-2016): Auteur Comedy Rise

Directors like Wes Anderson (Grand Budapest Hotel), Edgar Wright (Cornetto Trilogy), and the Duplass Brothers brought distinctive visual styles and personal voices to comedy, proving the genre could be both funny and artistically ambitious. This period elevated comedy from simple entertainment to legitimate art.

Late 2010s (2017-2019): Streaming and Diversity

The rise of streaming platforms allowed for more niche comedy voices, while increased focus on representation brought stories from diverse perspectives to mainstream audiences through films like The Big Sick, Booksmart, and The Farewell. This era expanded what comedy could be and who could tell those stories.

More Comedy Recommendations

Looking for more laughs? Check out our other curated lists:

• Best Comedy Movies on Netflix – Streaming picks for every mood
• Perfect Date Night Movies – Romantic comedies and beyond
• Feel-Good Films That Will Raise Your Spirits – Uplifting comedies and dramas
• Best Comedy Movies of 2017 – Standouts from a great year for comedy
• So-Bad-They’re-Good Comedy Classics – Unintentional humor at its finest

Whether you’re looking for smart satire, heartwarming laughs, or gut-busting physical comedy, the 2010s delivered. These films aren’t just funny moments in time – they represent the evolution of what comedy can achieve when it aims to be both hilarious and meaningful.

Getting together with your friends to watch a movie has become a tradition in today’s society that most people have grown to love. If you go to the theater, the movie costs a pretty penny, not to mention it’s overcrowded and your choices are limited. That is why most people choose to stay in and host a chick flick marathon with their best friends. Not only does it cost less money, but you have more movies to choose from. Whether you are looking for a romance movie, a rom-com, or just a fun movie to watch with the girls, this list of chick flicks is sure to have something that you and your friends will love.

13 Best Chick Flicks To Watch With Friends

13. She’s The Man

She’s The Man uses the classic gender swap comedy trope to provide easy laughs and an entertaining story. The film is about Viola who disguises as her teen brother when he decides to ditch for a couple of weeks. She proceeds to fall for his school’s star soccer player and soon learns she’s not the only one with romantic troubles. The film is based on Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” play which featured a similar story and a main character named Viola. With a lighthearted plot and good acting by Amanda Bynes, this chick flick will most certainly be a laugh.

 

Where To Watch She’s The Man

Hulu w/ Live TV
Vudu
Apple TV
YouTube
Amazon Prime
Google Play Movies & TV

12. Stick It

The troubled teen who gets changed by a mentor is a story we have all seen many times. Yet, Stick It is still a fun ride from the beginning to the end. The film is about Haley Graham (Missy Peregrym), who after a run-in with the law is forced to return to the world of gymnastics which she fled some years ago. Enrolled in an elite gymnastics program run by the legendary Burt Vickerman (Jeff Bridges), Haley’s rebellious attitude gives way to something that just might be called team spirit.

 

Where To Watch Stick It

Vudu
Apple TV
YouTube
Amazon Prime
Google Play Movies & TV

11. Deliver Us From Eva

Gabrielle Union gives a standout performance as the uncompromising and overbearing Eva. The 2003 romantic comedy is about three husbands who pay a playboy to romance and distract their overbearing sister-in-law from keeping tabs on them. The chemistry between LL Cool J and Gabrielle Union makes this chick flick a must-watch.

Where To Watch Deliver Us From Eva

Peacock (Free)

10. How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days

How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days was based on a short comic book written by Michele Alexander and Jeannie Long. The film is a lighthearted chick flick about Benjamin Barry, an advertising executive, who bets that he can make a woman fall in love with him in 10 days, and Andie Anderson, an advice columnist, who is writing a new piece on how to get a man to leave you in 10 days. Things spiral when these two meet at a bar. Matthew Mcgoughney and Kate Hudson make this one of the best chick flicks and an easy watch.

 

Where To Watch How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Peacock (Free)

9. Easy A

Like most comedies, Easy A starts with a lie that grows into a high stakes situation. The high school dramedy follows Olive (Emma Stone), a clean-cut teen, who decides to spice things up by telling a little lie about losing her virginity. When the high-school busybody (Amanda Bynes) overhears the conversation and spreads it all over campus, Olive is suddenly notorious but for the wrong reasons. Emma Stone was a delightful lead-in Easy A, and her performance as Olive launched her to become the star she is today.

 

Where To Watch Easy A

Vudu
Apple TV
YouTube
Amazon Prime
Google Play Movies & TV

8. The Devil Wears Prada

When Devil Wears Prada came out, Anne Hathaway was a blooming star, Emily Blunt was a rising actress, and Meryl Streep’s career was in full swing. Meryl Streep was even nominated for an Oscar for her performance in the film. The Devil Wears Prada is about a smart but sensible new graduate who lands a job as an assistant to Miranda Priestly, the demanding editor-in-chief of a high fashion magazine.

 

Where To Watch The Devil Wears Prada

Starz
Prime Video w/ Starz
Hulu w/ Starz

7. Love and Basketball

Combining sports, romance, and drama, Love and Basketball is one of the best chick flicks to watch with your friends. You will be surprised by just how invested you become in these characters and the story is very relatable. The film follows Monica and Quincy as they love and play basketball together through many life challenges from childhood to adulthood. Starring Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan, Love and Basketball is essentially about the sacrifices each character makes to achieve their dreams while maintaining their relationship.

 

Where To Watch Love and Basketball

HBO Max

6. When Harry Met Sally

Another timeless classic couldn’t hurt. When Harry Met Sally is a romantic and amusing film that examines whether men and women can ever be genuine buddies. Starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan the film is about two long-term friends who are excellent pals but are afraid that having sex would ruin their friendship. When Harry Met Sally is one of the best chick flicks to watch with friends and it’s also a great movie to watch on date night because of the electric chemistry between the lead actors.

 

Where To Watch When Harry Met Sally

HBO Max

 

5. Mamma Mia

Mamma Mia is a musical based on the pop songs of ABBA. The film has an ensemble cast of Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, Julie Walters, Colin Firth, Christine Baranski, and Stellan Skarsgård. Mamma Mia is about a young bride-to-be who invites three men from her mother’s past to her wedding in hopes one of them will be her father. The musical has an upbeat soundtrack that will have you singing along to the catchy tunes.

 

Where To Watch Mamma Mia

Peacock (Free)

4. Legally Blonde

This smart and satirical comedy plays off the stereotypes made against women, blonde or otherwise. Reese Witherspoon’s performance in Legally Blonde cemented her reputation as a talented young actress. The film follows Elle Woods, a fashionable sorority girl, who follows her ex-boyfriend to law school and figures out that there is more to her than just looks.

 

Where To Watch Legally Blonde

Netflix

3. Clueless

Clueless came out in 1995 and quickly grew a cult following. The film was loosely based on Jane Austen’s “Emma” and follows a shallow teenage girl who befriends a loner student and decides to give her a makeover. The film launched the careers of young actors Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, and Paul Rudd. Clueless is known to be one of the most hysterical teen movies and one of the best chick flicks.

 

Where To Watch Clueless

HBO Max

2. Mean Girls

You can’t have a list of chick flicks without mentioning the most iconic flick of them all, Mean Girls. This film started a cultural phenomenon where lines such as “That’s so fetch!” and “Get in loser, we’re going shopping!” were used regularly by teenagers and young adults. The film follows Cady Heron, a transfer student who joins an A-list girl clique at her new school but tensions rise as she begins falling for the ex-boyfriend of the alpha Plastic, Regina George. Mean Girls was written by Tina Fey as her first screenplay, based on the book Queen Bees and Wannabees.

 

Where To Watch Mean Girls

Paramount+
Pluto TV (Free)

1. Dirty Dancing

There is a magic to Dirty Dancing that has drawn audiences for decades. Between the Oscar-winning music and charming lead actors, the film has proven itself to be a timeless classic that teenagers even today tune into. Dirty Dancing is about a teenage girl (Jennifer Grey) who falls for a handsome dance instructor while vacationing at a Catskills resort in 1963. This dancing film tops our list of chick flicks to watch with friends.

 

Where To Watch Dirty Dancing

Cinemax Go
Hulu w/ Cinemax
Prime Video w/ Cinemax

 

Can’t Go Wrong With The Classics

Finding the right movie to watch with friends can be both frustrating and time-consuming. However, you can never go wrong with a classic. This list does not include all of the classic chick flicks but with any of these films you are guaranteed to have a good time. Whether you want to laugh, cry or dance along with the characters, this list has something for everyone.