Netflix’s recent release Bad Trip is an amusing experiment of a film. It stars Eric Andre and Lil Rel Howery as two friends who steal a convict’s (Tiffany Hadish) car and try driving away from their worries on a no-holds-barred trip that finds them pranking people and reliving their younger days.
The filming style is noteworthy for the narrative transitions between fact and fiction as the two leads prank the general public by staying in character. Drawing rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, Bad Trip is easily one of the finest entries in the pantheon of prank comedy films.
Tag (2018) - Amazon Video (Rent)
Based on Tag is the story of a few childhood friends who have an annual ritual of playing a game of tag. The reasoning behind this childish event is to relive their childhood despite the crises of their adult life. However, over the years, a natural distance sets the protagonists apart that prompts Ed Helms’ character to go all-out with a final game.
The over-the-top nature of this absurd premise makes it an amusing watch while some of the tag scenes are quite thrilling to watch, especially as Jeremy Renner unleashes his action potential.
Good Boys (2019) - Max Go
Good Boys can be seen as a children’s version of any Superbad-like raunchy comedy. The concept behind the film is bold and could have failed under the wrong execution. However, Good Boys turned out to be a fun-filled ride as three pre-pubescent boys come to with the changes in their life, both physical and mental.
As they start developing teen crushes and sipping beer, the so-called ‘Good Boys’ embark on a seemingly dangerous adventure to find a high-value drone after one of them (Jacob Tremblay) crashes his own. The ensuing journey makes them come to with their coming-of-age and their own friendship.
Jackass: The Movie (2002 )- Paramount Plus
Based on the MTV prank series of the same name, the first Jackass movie triggered a whole cinematic franchise of slapstick comedies that culminated in Jackass sequels and Bad Grandpa. Starring Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, and the usual gang of pranksters, Jackass can be seen as an anthology of gross, weird, and laughable prank-filled vignettes as they challenge their own sanity.
Jackass is definitely not a movie for everyone as it might entertain a few or disgust others but it’s worth checking out for the sheer scale of its absurdity.
Pineapple Express (2008) - Amazon Video (Rent)
One of the quintessential buddy ‘stoner’ comedies, boasts of witty dialogue and an adrenaline-heavy storyline. James Franco and Seth Rogen star as a pot-dealer and his client who get embroiled in a murder conspiracy. Thrown in the mix are hitmen and a corrupt cop tailing them.
The comedy continues to hold an iconic status in pop culture and the chemistry between its leads has to be one of the best friendships in modern cinema. And if those two weren’t enough, Danny McBride also s in as another bumbling dealer.
Girls Trip (2017) - Amazon Video (Rent)
There have been several ‘boys road trip’ films featuring men engaging in all sorts of drunken tomfoolery with The Hangover being a prime example. Girls Trip subverts these tropes and reverts the perspective to four women seeking to have a carefree trip of merrymaking while trying to avoid their personal and professional tussles.
As is evident, the plot makes use of formulaic elements but at the same time, this trip has its fair share of dramatic moments that would be earnest and relatable for adults going through mid-life crises and transient friendships. Bad Trip’s Tiffany Haddish stars as one of the friends and shines bright with her delightfully loud performance and perfect comedic timing.
Game Night (2018) - Sling TV
Game Night might seem like a generic situational comedy at first glance but is actually a tight-knit dark comedy with unexpected twists and turns. The title refers to a couple’s game night parties as they invite their friends over every week for playing simple indoor games. However, when they decide to transition to a sophisticated interactive experience, the party turns into a night of finding clues, bad driving, and a lot of violence.
The ensemble, led by Rachel McAdams and Jason Bateman, delivers fully while Jesse Plemons takes the spotlight relying on deadpan humor to play the couple’s nosy neighbor who wishes to be a part of the game night.
Paul (2011) - Apple TV (Rent)
Even though the Cornetto trilogy might be the best of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost’s collaborations, Paul might come as a close second. The British actors star as sci-fi comic writers who happen to encounter an extra-terrestrial creature christened Paul (voiced by Seth Rogen). They embark on a road trip to get Paul back home while federal agents chase them, leading to a series of intoxicated misadventures.
Paul is unabashedly profane and ridiculous in its approach but still functions as a wholesome ode to classic sci-fi like the films of Steven Spielberg.
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (2020) - Prime Video
The sequel to Sacha Baron Cohen’s magnum opus Borat, this Prime original film doubles the political satire of its predecessor, almost chartering the territories of investigative journalism. The unexpected, and intentionally disgusting improvisational humor aside, it’s a timely satire produced and distributed right during the global coronavirus pandemic and the American elections of 2020.
From Cohen dres as Donald Trump to that infamous interview with Rudy Guiliani, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm has it all. Bulgarian actress Maria Bakalova also stars as the titular lead’s daughter delivering a fresh and effortlessly hilarious performance.
Impractical Jokers: The Movie (2020) - HBO Max
Much like Jackass, prank comedy shows. Starring the original’s cast, the cinematic adaptation might not impress recent converts but makes for essential viewing for loyal fans of the series.
While most of the reality comedy elements of the original are retained, the film boasts of a more professional sound and visual aesthetic. The plot is driven by a high-school incident from the four Jokers’ life that prompts them to get back to their chaotic days of hidden-camera pranks and jokes.
Get Out (2017) - Apple TV (Rent)
The ultimate ‘bad trip’ movie Get Out made Daniel Kaluuya a household name while Bad Trip’s Lil Rel Howery delivered his first breakout performance in this satirical horror. Kaluuya plays Chris Washington, a man on his way to visit his girlfriend’s white parents despite the cynicism of his best friend (Howery).
As the protagonist starts discovering strange phenomena linked to his significant other, he starts questioning his relationship while unearthing a hauntingly bizarre plot of changing race relations. Jordan Peele’s visionary storytelling and direction elevated Get Out above familiar horror tropes, making it a film worth revisiting with multiple viewings.
