The last decade of filmmaking has provided dozens of movies worth re-watching over and over. When it comes to genre-blending, dramedies (drama and comedy) arrange some of the best recipes for success. Audiences revisit films for several reasons, sentimental value, catching more Easter eggs, recent critical acclaim, and more. Whatever it is, tuning in for a second or third time means the movie got something right.
Dramedies, in particular, have a lot to offer in terms of rewatch value. When watching them a second time, you can pick up on both the subtleties of the actors' dramatic performances or jokes that you may have missed during the first watch.
'Ingrid Goes West' (2017)
Stalking her Instagram obsession, Ingrid Thorburn (Aubrey Plaza) moves to Los Angeles to befriend and embed herself in the life of the social media influencer, Taylor Sloane (Elizabeth Olsen). The friendship begins to unravel as do the lives of these women.
Earning a like from critics and audiences, Ingrid Goes West is a dramedy that flew under the radar but still earns a spot on any repeat watch list. The film demonstrates the unreality inherent in social media and the power of perception. With awkwardly comedic bits, this movie serves as a good reminder to be careful what you post.
'The Big Short' (2015)
Depicting the corruption and greed behind the 2007 housing market crash, The Big Short details the how, why, and who that bet against the American economy. Director Adam McKay delivers a star-studded cast and a witty script that can explain the most complicated parts of the mortgage industry to viewers.
Unexpected and brilliant, this dramedy was a scorching indictment of Wall Street and the banking industry. The comedic time and fourth wall breaks earned this film five Oscar nominations and one win for Best Adapted Screenplay.
'The Edge of Seventeen' (2016)
Life doesn’t seem to be getting better for high school student, Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld) when her best friend starts dating her brother. Finding small solace in a friendship with her teacher Mr. Bruner (Woody Harrelson), Nadine tries to navigate being a teen in this coming-of-age dramedy.
This masterpiece flew under the radar of the box office, and it reminds viewers how tough high school can be and that being a teen isn’t always as romantic as other movies make it out to be. With a solid cast and script behind it, The Edge of Seventeen is a breath of fresh air with each viewing.
'The Upside' (2017)
Struggling parolee Dell Scott (Kevin Hart) lands a caretaker job for a wealthy quadriplegic, Philip Lacasse (Bryan Cranston), the two forming a bond despite their backgrounds. Released in 2017, this movie is an easy watch with a quick two-hour runtime.
Failing with a majority of critics, The Upside found solid ground inside the hearts of audiences. Hart’s transition to a more serious role with timed comedic bits pleased fans as they followed him to this new genre. The chemistry between Cranston and Hart makes this story one worth revisiting again and again.
'The Farewell' (2019)
When Billi’s (Awkwafina) Chinese grandmother is given a terminal diagnosis and weeks to live, the family decides to keep the news from her and gather one more time for a fake wedding to say their goodbyes. Winning a Golden Globe for her role, Awkwafina’s performance in this dramedy is poignant and precise, making this one to watch over and over.
The family’s decision to withhold their matriarch’s diagnosis provides an excellent set-up for a multi-genre film. Heartfelt and raw, The Farewell is a story that blends generations over a common thread of family and tough choices.
'Another Round' (2020)
In desperate need of a change, four schoolteachers make a pact to drink daily as in experiment to see how their lives will change. Starring Mads Mikkelsen and directed by Thomas Vinterberg, Another Round garned plenty of acclaim and stumbled back home to Denmark with an Oscar for Best International Feature Film and a nomination for Best Achievement in Directing in hand.
This Danish dramedy presents audiences with internal questions about the self and the potential dangers of alcohol. This story is worth regular viewing as it brings new life to the age-old midlife crisis movie.
'Eighth Grade' (2018)
As if living through eighth grade wasn’t enough of a reminder of how awkward everyone can be, Bo Burnham’s Eighth Grade brings audiences right back to the middle school hallways. The film follows Kayla Day (Elsie Fisher) during her last few days of middle school, enduring all the typical tropes of surviving mid-2000s eighth grade.
An astounding feature film debut for Burnham and Fisher, this film epically captures the awkward and uncomfortable nature that is being an introverted preteen. Dabbling in multiple genres and building cringe-worthy moments of embarrassment, Eighth Grade is the perfect film to revisit again and again with new audiences to serve as a humble souvenir of what people are like during puberty.