The 15 best comedy films of 2022

Jäckass hits differently these days. Johnny Knoxville and crew are clearly older, and a life of recklessness is apparent in their bodies. New faces were included in Jäckass Forever, the fourth film in the series. In the end, the Jäckass boys are dealing with what they have for decades, much to the enjoyment of generations.

Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum can both do comedy well when called upon. The Lost City sees Bullock play a romance novelist who finds herself living out a skewed version of one of her books. There are some fun supporting performances in the film from Brad Pitt and Daniel Radcliffe.

Richard Linklater likes to play with form in film. He's been doing it since he birthed a movement with Slacker. Apollo 10 1/2 is another distinctly animated movie from Linklater. It's largely a series of amusing anecdotes reflecting on childhood in the 1960s, but it's as good of a version of that as you will find.

Nicolas Cage is an icon, though that's partially due to his acting chops and partially due to his, shall we say, eclectic film choices and acting tics. The cult of Cage plays heavily into this film, which sees Cage playing himself. If you are a big fan of Cage, it will definitely help, but that's not necessary to enjoy this action comedy.

Skepticism was warranted when a Chip 'n Dale film was announced. However, it feels like this film was made by people who would also be skeptical about such an idea. Chip 'n Dale is more Who Framed Roger Rabbit than a straightforward adaptation of the cartoon, which worked well. The film benefits from being densely filled with references.

Bob's Burgers got to the film adaptation thing much quicker than The Simpsons. However, The Bob's Burgers Movie is also a culmination of the long-running animated series. If you like the show, you like the movie, and if you are a fan, that's really all you want.

Jane Austen adaptations abound. So do twists on classic Austen tales (Pride & Prejudice & Zombies, anyone?). That means you really have to deliver on the execution. Fire Island does that. It takes Austen's iconic Pride & Prejudice and uses its themes to tell a story about men on Fire Island, the famed gay vacation destination.

Frankly, Bullet Train is an action comedy that would have benefited from focusing more on the action. The comedy elements of the Brad Pitt vehicle often get sweaty. The film feels a little too pleased with its humor at times. However, we are grading these films on overall quality, and even if the comedy is spotty, Bullet Train works as an action film.

Do you enjoy a solid procedural show? How about the novels of Agatha Christie? Well, Christie plays a key role in this murder mystery comedy. Sam Rockwell and Saoirse Ronan star as two police officials in 1950s London trying to solve a murder that involves a production of Christie's The Mousetrap. A little slight, but plenty of fun.

If you were expecting something akin to Chevy Chase's smirking asides and afro wigs, maybe Confess, Fletch wasn't for you. This film is more in the vein of the novels that brought Irwin M. Fletcher into existence. Chase was perfect for the '80s take on Fletch , but now, Jon Hamm steps into the role with aplomb.

Billy Eichner got his chance to have his film vehicle under the wing of Judd Apatow. However, it has been a while since an Apatow-produced star vehicle has really taken off. It's a shame because Eichner is a talented actor and writer, and Bros is better than, say, Trainwreck or King of Staten Island. Plus, you know, all the important historical impact stuff.

Did you enjoy Force Majeure? Well then...actually, you've probably already seen Triangle of Sadness, the English-language debut of Ruben Ostlund. However, if you haven't seen Force Majeure and enjoy dark, satirical comedy, Triangle of Sadness is calling you. Ostlund is a distinct filmmaker, but it's an option we appreciate having on the table.

"Weird Al" Yankovic has been the face of comedy music for decades. He's had an interesting career and life. Or maybe the events of Weird: The Al Yankovic Story are fake. Maybe Weird Al and Madonna didn't really date? Also, Daniel Radcliffe doesn't necessarily look like Yankovic. Hey, is this a parody biopic?

Enchanted was a fun surprise from Disney and a great showcase for Amy Adams' comedy chops. When you watch her in stuff like Doubt and Sharp Objects, it's nice to see her let her hair down. Disenchanted is a belated sequel with a frothy type of darkness to it, but it's still a Disney movie about an animated princess navigating the real world.

Look, dark takes on Santa aren't fresh. Violent Christmas movies isn't total reinventing the wheel. And yet, it can still be fun when done well. Like, say, if you cast David Harbour as Santa in a violent action comedy. Harbour is perfectly suited for the role. It's not "Citizen Kane," but "Violent Night" delivers what you want.