7 Good Comedies That Don’t Rely on Sex Jokes

Whether you're having trouble connecting with comedies or searching for a suitable movie to watch with your family, you know how tough it is to find one that doesn't rely on crude humor.

But don't give up on the genre just yet. There are still plenty of brilliant comedies out there that don't have to resort to cheap tricks to make you laugh. These gems rely on clever writing and situations that are actually funny.

Galaxy Quest (1999): Actors Go to Space

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Galaxy Quest has 90% from critics and 79% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Galaxy Quest is rated 7.4/10.

Galaxy Quest is a must-watch for all Star Trek fans. The film answers the question: What would happen if the actors of the popular sci-fi series went on a real space mission themselves? And it answers it with such hilarity that it might set your standards for parodies way too high.

The cast includes Tim Allen, Alan Rickman, Sigourney Weaver, and Tony Shalhoub. That's pretty much how you know you're in for a good time.

Available on Kanopy for free.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013): Wholesome Ben Stiller Comedy

• On Rotten Tomatoes, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty has 52% from critics and 71% from the audience.
• On IMDb, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is rated 7.3/10.

Ben Stiller stars in and directs this heartwarming comedy about a daydreamer who sets out on a real-life adventure. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty may not make you roll on the floor laughing, but it will definitely leave you with a big smile and perhaps even the courage to chase your dreams.

Kristen Wiig, Kathryn Hahn and Adam Scott are a part of the stellar cast as well.

Available on: Hulu, Microsoft Store, Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, Apple TV.

Night at the Museum (2006): A Ben Stiller Classic

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Night at the Museum has 42% from critics and 67% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Night at the Museum is rated 6.5/10.

Night at the Museum is pure family entertainment. It brings history to life, literally. Ben Stiller plays a night security guard at the museum where all the exhibits come alive after dark.

The special effects are fun and surprisingly don't feel too dated. And there's plenty of humor and chases to keep the whole family entertained. Plus, you can't miss Robin Williams being Theodore Roosevelt.

Available on: Disney+, Microsoft Store, Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, Apple TV, Spectrum On Demand.

Secondhand Lions (2003): Unexpected Family Bonds

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Secondhand Lions has 61% from critics and 84% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Secondhand Lions is rated 7.5/10.

Young Walter is left on the doorstep of his great-uncles for the summer, where he discovers that these seemingly grumpy old men have lived lives full of adventure. Secondhand Lions finds its humor in the clash of generations. It feels simultaneously nostalgic and timeless. Perfect for those family movie nights.

Available on: Microsoft Store, Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, Apple TV, Plex.

Hearts Beat Loud (2018): Nick Offerman Being a Great Dad

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Hearts Beat Loud has 92% from critics and 74% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Hearts Beat Loud is rated 6.9/10.

Hearts Beat Loud stars Nick Offerman as a record store owner who starts a band with his college-bound daughter. It's a sweet story that manages to be funny and wholesome throughout the whole thing.

The film thrives on the natural father-daughter dynamic and Offerman's perfect delivery of awkward dad jokes. The music is actually really good too, and some songs may even find a place in your playlist afterwards.

Available on Kanopy and Plex for free.

Legally Blonde (2001): A Reese Witherspoon Classic

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Legally Blonde has 72% from critics and 72% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Legally Blonde is rated 6.5/10.

Even if you've never seen Legally Blonde, you've probably heard a thing or two about this classic. It follows Elle Woods, a sorority girl who decides to study law at Harvard in order to win back her ex-boyfriend.

The movie subverts stereotypes and shows that you can be both feminine and incredibly capable. “What, like it's hard?”

Available on Hoopla for free.

School of Rock (2003): Jack Black at His Best

• On Rotten Tomatoes, School of Rock has 92% from critics and 64% from the audience.
• On IMDb, School of Rock is rated 7.2/10.

If you haven't seen Jack Black pose as a substitute teacher to turn a class of preppy private school kids into a rock band, you're missing out on one of the most entertaining comedies of the 2000s. School of Rock is packed with great music and genuine heart.

It's one of those rare movies that manages to be both hilarious and inspiring without ever feeling cheesy.

Available on Hoopla and Kanopy for free.