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There were few decades as prolific in the way of comedy as the 2000s. Dozens if not hundreds of comedy films were produced in this decade — some more memorable than others. There are instant genre-defining classics such as Superbad and near-genius satires like Walk-Hard, animated films like Shrek, and low-budget films like Napoleon Dynamite. What all these films have in common is that they have aged gracefully and continue to deliver to this day, for a variety of different reasons.
Whether viewing for the first time or the 100th time, these are the comedies from this era that withstand the test of time.
So Fetch — 'Mean Girls' (2004)
One of the best High school comedies to come out of the decade, Mean Girls tells the story of new student Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan), who goes undercover inside the clique of titular mean girls who rule the school. The plan is to prank them and move on: at least that’s what Cady’s new friends have planned, yet Cady begins to lose herself to her new mean persona.
The script was written by SNL legend Tina Fey, who also plays the math teacher. The film is a well-balanced mixture of funny and profound, with excellent performances all around, particularly Lohan.
Vote For Pedro — 'Napoleon Dynamite' (2004)
This cult classic is an endlessly quotable good time from start to finish. It follows Napoleon (Jon Heder), a woefully uncool high schooler who befriends two misfits in the way of Deb (Tina Majorino) and Pedro (Efren Ramirez). His older brother Kip (Aaron Ruell) is somehow even less cool than he is, although he at least has a girlfriend. Pedro decides to run for school president, resulting in one of the most memorable dance scenes ever committed to film.
There is nothing but charm comprising this 2004 film, which is a wonderful mixture of nostalgia and laughs. The performances are deadpan but extremely well-done, and the soundtrack is pretty good too.
The Greater Good — 'Hot Fuzz' (2007)
Hot Fuzz is one of the best buddy cop comedies ever made, much less from the 2000s. It follows city-trained super-cop Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) who is reassigned to an idyllic countryside town and paired with seemingly the dimmest cop on the local force (Nick Frost). One murder turns to several as a conspiracy begins to unravel before their eyes — yet nobody in the town seems to care. It eventually comes to a head with an epic shootout and some spectacular over-the-top violence.
This film is endlessly re-watchable, it relies on a combination of action and wit for its laughs, so no part of it (besides the cellphones) feels particularly aged.
Mr. Cool — 'School of Rock' (2003)
This was the role that Jack Black was born to play, as an aging rocker with no job or prospects cons his way into a substitute teacher job in a stuffy private school. While teaching the tightly buttoned students how to let loose and rock, he develops feelings for the stodgy principal (Joan Cusack), from whom he is hiding his true identity. The film culminates in a spectacular rock and roll performance at the battle of the bands, where the whole class comes together to sneak out of school and put on the best show of their lives.
This film is endlessly fun and truly displays Black in his natural element. On top of everything, the film features real talent from the kids who play their own instruments. It’s hard not to smile during this film.
That's a Nice Boulder — 'Shrek' (2001)
Shrek was an instant classic when it came out, and it remains a classic today. The titular reclusive ogre (Mike Myers) is forced to pair with a chatterbox talking donkey (Eddie Murphy) on a fairy-tale quest to save Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) from a lonesome tower, surrounded by lava and guarded by a dragon — all in the aid of saving his once empty swamp from being over-run by fairy-tale creatures.
Perhaps one of the best love stories ever told, Shrek is an animated film that offers family humor with an underlying current of adult humor and themes which elevate it above other animated films of its era.
This Song is Very Deep — 'Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story' (2007)
Walk Hard might just take the prize for best satirical musical comedy ever made (besides perhaps Spinal Tap). It follows the life of fictional musician Dewey Cox (John C. Reilly) as he goes from rags to riches and the turbulent, sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll tomfoolery in between.
Anyone who has seen the Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line will notice some blatant similarities between the two films. But the musical comparisons don’t stop there. Reilly gives a spectacular acting and musical performance in the film and does a marvelous impression of a whole slew of different rock stars along the way.
Just McLovin — 'Superbad' (2007)
This hilarious film made multiple comedians’ careers after it hit the screen. The first film was written by Seth Rogen (who also has a supporting role) and writing partner Evan Goldberg, Superbad stars Jonah Hill, and Michael Cera as two high school losers desperate to get lucky before going off to college.
This film is more than the sum of its parts in a lot of ways, as it often features crass gross-out humor, yet rises above as a genuinely entertaining and smart comedy film. Lastly, the casting in this film is nearly perfect.
So Hot Right Now — 'Zoolander' (2001)
This film features a character created by stand-up comedian Drake Sather and brought to life by Ben Stiller. The film follows Derek Zoolander, a world-class male model at a turning point in his career who falls into a conspiratorial world of brainwashing, assassinations, and the Prime Minister of Malaysia. He partners with his former nemesis Hansel (Owen Wilson) to bring down the Cabal and defeat the nefarious fashion designer Mugatu (Will Ferrell).
The chemistry between Stiller and Wilson is impeccable, the script is hilarious, and there are multiple cameos, including from David Duchovny and David Bowie.
Dog's Can't Look Up — 'Shaun of the Dead' (2004)
Another classic film pairing of Pegg and Frost, Shaun of the Dead delivers a somewhat satirical and entirely hilarious hour and a half of zombie bashing fun. The film follows two best friends who in the face of a surprise zombie apocalypse, must traipse across town to retrieve the main character’s girlfriend and mum, then make their way to their local pub to wait for everything to blow over.
Even though this is a zombie film with a fair amount of gore, its charm, comedy, and caricature make it an incredibly fun and laugh-out-loud watch.
Holding Out For a Hero — 'Shrek 2' (2004)
The second Shrek film picks up shortly after the first one left off, with Shrek and Fiona returning to their swamp after their honeymoon, only to find Donkey and an invitation to visit the in-laws waiting. The journey to Fiona’s hometown of Far Far Away uncovers a conspiracy that throws Shrek and Fiona’s new relationship into flux.
There is an argument to be made for the superiority of the second Shrek film; it fleshes out the characters in an interesting way, covers interesting themes, and is all contained within an extremely compelling plot. Not to mention it features more hilarious riffing between Myers and Murphy as Shrek and Donkey, and now Puss ‘n Boots (Antonio Banderas).