8 Aubrey Plaza Comedies to Die For

Aubrey Plaza is one of the most iconic comedy performers. You might know her as April from Parks and Rec or Harper from The White Lotus.

Apart from these roles, however, she has absolutely killed it in some of the most innovative, bizarre and genuinely hilarious comedies of the past decade. These 8 films embody the best of Aubrey Plaza.

‘My Old Ass’ (2024): Face Your Older-Self

• On Rotten Tomatoes, My Old Ass has 90% from critics and 89% from the audience.
• On IMDb, My Old Ass is rated 6.9/10.

The movie premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and instantly became a new favorite for many thanks to its fresh take on time travel and growing up.

My Old Ass follows Elliott, whose mushroom trip takes an unexpected turn when she meets her 39-year-old self (Plaza). Plaza delivers warnings to her younger self that force Elliott to reevaluate everything she thought she knew about her life's direction.

Available on Amazon Prime Video

‘Ingrid Goes West’ (2017): Aubrey Plaza as a Stalker

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Ingrid Goes West has 84% from critics and 71% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Ingrid Goes West is rated 6.6/10.

Ingrid Goes West follows Ingrid Thorburn (Plaza), a social media stalker who becomes obsessed with Instagram influencer Taylor Sloane (Elizabeth Olsen). After inheriting some money, Ingrid moves to LA to infiltrate Taylor's seemingly perfect life.

It's a comedy with a blend of genuine psychological thriller. How far will one go to be liked and accepted? Pro tip: the press tour for this movie was as chaotic as the film itself (look it up, you won't regret it).

Available on Kanopy for free.

‘Safety Not Guaranteed’ (2012): Time Travel Comedy

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Safety Not Guaranteed has 91% from critics and 80% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Safety Not Guaranteed is rated 6.9/10.

Kenneth (Mark Duplass) claims to be a time traveler looking for someone to go back in time with him. Darius (Plaza) is an intern who goes undercover to find out if Kenneth is a madman or the real deal.

The chemistry between Plaza and Duplass is unmatched, and the film is both hilarious and surprisingly touching. Safety Not Guaranteed is one of those special movies that makes you laugh and think about life.

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

‘The Little Hours’ (2017): Plaza’s Dark Comedy

• On Rotten Tomatoes, The Little Hours has 78% from critics and 50% from the audience.
• On IMDb, The Little Hours is rated 5.8/10.

The Little Hours follows three nuns (including Plaza) living in a monastery who become very interested in the new servant (Dave Franco). While this movie might not be for everyone, it's exactly the kind of bold, weird comedy that Plaza excels in. It's smart, it's unexpected, and it's definitely not your typical period piece.

Available on Kanopy and Plex for free.

‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ (2010): Plaza's Classic

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World has 83% from critics and 84% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is rated 7.5/10.

Although Plaza's role as Julie Powers is smaller compared to others in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, the film is still a must-watch for anyone craving her deadpan delivery.

The movie is a visual treat. It combines comic book style and early 2010s indie culture. If you haven't seen it yet, you're missing out on one of the most unique comedies ever made.

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

‘Mystery Team’ (2009): Solving a Real Crime

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Mystery Team has 60% from critics and 64% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Mystery Team is rated 6.6/10.

Mystery Team is a hidden gem from Plaza's early career. The story follows 3 friends who want to solve the real murder mystery all by themselves.

The movie is a peak absurdist comedy that flies under most people's radar. It's also Donald Glover's first feature film (yes, Childish Gambino himself). If you love cringe comedy and detective movie parodies, this one's your jam.

Available on The CW, Hoopla, Kanopy, Plex and Fawesome for free.

‘Happiest Season’ (2020): New Take on Holidays

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Happiest Season has 82% from critics and 72% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Happiest Season is rated 6.6/10.

Happiest Season follows Harper (Mackenzie Davis) as she introduces her girlfriend, Abby (Kristen Stewart), to her family for the first time during the Christmas holidays. However, she hasn't come out to them yet. Plaza's character becomes an unexpected source of wisdom and comfort.

Available on Hulu.

‘Best Sellers’ (2021): Unexpected Friendships

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Best Sellers has 53% from critics and 52% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Best Sellers is rated 6.2/10.

As a struggling young publisher, Plaza's character must convince a retired author to go on one last book tour.

While not Plaza's most celebrated work, Best Sellers shows her range as she holds her own against the legendary Michael Caine. The movie balances humor with heart, even if it sometimes plays it a bit safe.

Available on Kanopy and Plex for free.