On Netflix, fifteen good comedies to (re)watch to chase away the depression

Let's not let ourselves be discouraged by the prevailing gloom. Netflix, which has just added the first two opuses of OSS 117 to its catalog, contains little burlesque marvels and comedies with cult lines, here are fifteen good films to keep you smiling.

How is your blanquette? : “OSS 117: Cairo nest of spies”

In 1955, the President of the French Republic sent Hubert Bonisseur de la Bath, a secret agent called OSS 117, to Cairo to investigate a religious sect that wanted to take power. Elegant pastiche of spy films of yesteryear. This is where Jean Dujardin exploded into a moronic, colonialist and macho spy.

Film by Michel Hazanavicius (France 2006). 1h34.

Hubert in a bikini: “OSS 117: Rio no longer responds”

In 1967, the spy Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath, alias OSS 117, was sent on a mission to Rio to neutralize the blackmail of a former Nazi dignitary who held compromising microfilms. Hilarious return of Jean Dujardin in the role of OSS 117. Some irresistible scenes, including an ass…

Film by Michel Hazanavicius (France 2009). 1h40.

Massacre game: “Dad or Mom”

Marina Foïs and Laurent Lafitte, aka Florence and Vincent Leroy, divorce and declare war on each other for not having custody of their children. Enjoyable regressive massacre game, even if it's not as bad as that.

Film by Martin Bourboulon (France 2015). 1h23.

Tender fantasy: “Farewell idiots”

Chased by the police, a blind archivist and a desperate employee help a sick woman looking for her child who she had to abandon. Burlesque comedy, crowned with seven Césars, where the zaniness and talent of Albert Dupontel, an unclassifiable director, shine.

Film by Albert Dupontel (France 2020). 1h23.

Friends comedy: “Five”

Completely broke, a young man, who wants to continue paying half the rent for the apartment he shares with his friends, becomes a weed dealer… and gets into trouble. Burst gags and a hilarious Pierre Niney.

Film d’Igor Gotesman (France 2016). 1h42.

Zombies et gags à gogo : “Shaun of The Dead”

A thirty-year-old is left by his girlfriend, who blames him for his lack of energy. He tries to win her back while zombies invade the city. All at once, a horror film, a buddy film, a teen comedy with English humor and a romantic comedy… in the mix of genres, the young Edgar Wright reveals himself to be an inspired knitter.

Film by Edgar Wright (Great Britain 2004). 1h39.

“The Voice” bestiary version: “All on stage”

In order to save his theater located in Los Angeles, Buster, a koala who has dedicated his life to entertainment, launches a major singing competition in the style of a TV show. A teenage elephant, a rebellious young porcupine or a broken gorilla… The crowds flock to the auditions. Humor, energy: a success.

Film by Christophe Lourdelet (United States 2017). 1h48.

Kitschissime: “Fantômas”

To reassure the population, worried about a series of crimes and daring thefts, Commissioner Juve announces the imminent arrest of the person who signs his crimes: “Fantômas”. Nostalgic weakness, we enjoy the grins of Louis de Funès as Juve commissioner and this villain in blue latex who smells of the dust of the 1960s.

Cunning Quenard: “Cash”

A young loser infiltrates the perfume factory of the richest family in Chartres, to torpedo it from the inside. This pleasant first film offers a beautiful showcase for the irresistible talent of Raphaël Quenard, an actor on the rise.

Film by Jérémie Rozan (France, 2023). 1h35.

Neo-Cluedo: “Glass Onion: a story of daggers drawn”

After the success in theatersAt loggerheadsDaniel Craig and director Rian Johnson are back for the second part of what is now a Netflix franchise. A less spicy but sharper sequel to this part of Cluedo among the rich, which scratches Trumpist America in the process.

Film by Rian Johnson (United States, 2022). 2:21.

Zadist and Voltaire: “Problemos”

The last survivors on Earth after an epidemic, the members of a community of Zadists from Ardèche have free rein to rebuild everything. The regressive humor assumed, sometimes to the third degree, of this crazy fable does a lot of good. A sequel would be in writing…

Film d’Eric Judor (France, 2017). 1h25.

Marmaï derails: “Free!”

A fiery policewoman (Adèle Haenel, perfect in her first comedic role) strives to protect a handsome innocent (Pio Marmaï as a brilliant swashbuckler), once trapped by her cop husband. A festival of blunders as poetic as they are burlesque.

Film by Pierre Salvadori (France, 2018). 1h48.

Diabetes and wicked: “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”

Johnny Depp as a strange confectioner, complex hero of a children's tale, possible heir to Edward Scissorhands. Tim Burton blockbuster style, but bittersweet, offbeat and successful. Its “prequel” Wonka, released at the cinema for Christmas, does not lack gluttony either…

Film by Tim Burton (USA / GB / 2005). 2h14.

Déjà vu that we love to see again: “A day without end”

A cynical journalist must cover “Groundhog Day” in a remote town… Suddenly, a spatio-temporal paradox, he relives the same twenty-four hours eternally. The screenplay is a brilliant exercise in style. Bill Murray is (still) immense.

Film by Harold Ramis (USA, 1993). 1h41.

Right to disconnect: “The Mitchells against the machines”

A frosty but clever ode to big nonsense. A joyful mess spiked with hilarious humor and unbridled creativity. Behind the laughter lies the praise of imperfection coupled with a scathing reflection on our dependence on connected objects.

Animated film by Michael Rianda and Jeff Rowe (United States, 2021). 1h54.