If you believe the best comedies have heart, start here. Based on the real-life romance of comedian Kumail Nanjiani and his wife Emily V. Gordon, The Big Sick is a masterclass in balancing humor and genuine human emotion. It tells the story of a Pakistani-American comic who falls for an American grad student, only to have their relationship tested by a sudden, mysterious illness. It’s sharp, awkward, tender, and surprisingly hilarious—proving that nothing is funnier than the truth.

In the vast, sprawling library of Amazon Prime Video, finding a genuine laugh can sometimes feel like searching for a punchline in a serious documentary. But fear not. Buried beneath the thrillers and dramas is a rich vein of comedy gold. Whether you need a clever satire, a mindless slapstick, or a classic one-liner machine, Prime’s collection has something to tickle every funny bone.

Prepare for something completely unhinged. In an alternate reality of Oakland, California, a struggling telemarketer (Lakeith Stanfield) discovers the key to success is using his "white voice" (dubbed by David Cross). What begins as a workplace satire about capitalism quickly spirals into a surreal, wild-eyed sci-fi horror-comedy about unionizing, performance-enhancing drugs, and… horse-people hybrids. It’s not for everyone, but for those who get it, it’s a five-star masterpiece of weird.

You can always count on the classics. Eddie Murphy at his peak plays Prince Akeem, a wealthy African heir who travels to Queens, New York, to find a wife who will love him for who he is, not his money. From the iconic barbershop scenes to the soul-glo jingle, this film is a warm blanket of nostalgia. It’s silly, sweet, and still one of the best fish-out-of-water comedies ever made.

Before you settle in, remember one key advantage: . This ad-supported channel is included with your Prime membership and is a treasure trove of older comedies. You can find gems like The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (a charming time-loop romance) and Dinner for Schmucks (cringe-comedy at its best) without paying extra—just tolerate a few commercials.

This recent Oscar-winner is as smart as it is funny. Jeffrey Wright stars as Thelonious "Monk" Ellison, a frustrated novelist and professor who believes his serious work is ignored because it isn't "Black enough" for the publishing industry. As a joke, he writes a stereotypical, gritty "ghetto" novel under a pseudonym—and it becomes a massive hit. American Fiction is a razor-sharp satire of literary culture, racial stereotypes, and the business of art. It will make you laugh, cringe, and think.