Shrek
Released: 2001
Rated: PG
Memorable quote: “We can stay up late, swapping manly stories, and in the morning, I’m making waffles!” —Donkey
Not only is Shrek one of the best animated movies ever made, but the original 2001 film also spawned a decades-long franchise that is now the second-highest-grossing animated series of all time. Twenty years ago, the story of a bad-tempered ogre forced to rescue an imprisoned princess turned the traditional fairy-tale formula on its head, and we’ve been laughing ever since.
Can you really think of a better—or funnier—warrior duo than the green-skinned, Scottish-accented ogre Shrek (Mike Myers) and his talkative sidekick Donkey (Eddie Murphy)? Shrek even flips the stereotypical damsel-in-distress character by giving Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) some fierce martial arts skills and an ear-piercing singing voice that literally causes birds to explode. A Disney Princess she is not, and we love her for it.
50/50
Released: 2011
Rated: R
Memorable quote: “Driving! That’s what you want to do? That’s your ‘Make a Wish’? To drive? We could be having sex with hookers while skydiving, and instead, you want to do something I learned to do when I was 15!” —Kyle Hirons
50/50 epitomizes the old adage “laughter is the best medicine”: It’s the story of a 27-year-old ostensibly healthy man named Adam Lerner (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who learns he has spinal cancer. But fortunately for Adam—and the audience—his best friend, Kyle Hirons, is played by Seth Rogen.
Kyle provides much-needed comic relief as the film tackles an understandably heavy subject. For example, during the pivotal moment when Adam, who’s undergoing chemotherapy, decides to shave his head, it’s Kyle, not Adam, who cringes more over the impending hair loss. Oh, and did we mention Adam shaves his head using the razor Kyle reserves for more, erm, intimate areas?
If you’re looking for more heartfelt flicks that will get the tears flowing, check out our list of sad movies.
Bridesmaids
Released: 2011
Rated: R
Memorable quote: “Help me, I’m poor.” —Annie Walker
There are a lot of funny movies on Hulu, but if we had to pick just one to watch, it would be Bridesmaids, hands down. It’s a rare movie that can make a bout of food poisoning funny—especially when all the characters are wearing bridal finery. And when put in the hands of pros like Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne and Kristin Wiig, you just know that scene is going to be comedy gold.
Co-written by comedy powerhouse Wiig and starring an A-list ensemble of funny females, Bridesmaids skewers everything about weddings, bachelorette parties, showers and all the ridiculousness that comes with being a bridesmaid. Like, say, hiring Wilson Phillips to perform “Hold On” at your friend’s wedding. Speaking of great music (of which there is a ton in Bridesmaids), be sure to check out our list of best movie soundtracks.
