Critical 5 Instant Netflix films: Comedy

Too much of our time is wasted browsing through row after row of Instant Netflix titles, hoping that something worthwhile will pop up. This is especially an issue with comedies; the streaming service is jam-packed with painfully unfunny films that belong in a heap next to the latest Adam Sandler vehicle. Skip the endless search and check out these five great comedies currently available on Netflix:

Wet Hot American Summer

David Wain's silly romp was far from a smash in 2001, but has since earned a significant cult following as a love letter to the bygone era of '80s comedy. Intended and sweet-hearted clichés–-not to mention a stellar cast made up of Wain's The State costars--make this the perfect breezy comedy if you're feeling nostalgic.

Rubber

If the premise of a psychotic tire on a killing spree acting as a film's protagonist doesn't sound the least bit intriguing, then Quentin Dupieux's totally ridiculous send-up isn't for you. But for anyone looking for a '70s horror homage unlike any other, Rubber is just the ticket.

Groundhog Day

Watching Bill Murray's curmudgeonly reporter re-live and tinker with the events of a single day just never gets old. No matter how much Andie MacDowell tries to sour the mood, Murray hits it out of the park with one of his funniest performances to date. And who can forget good ol' Ned Ryerson?

Four Lions

Thank the cinema gods for filmmakers like Chris Morris who are willing to stretch the boundaries of good taste for the sake of hilarious topical comedy. This tale of five wannabe suicide bombers attempting to blow up the London Marathon hits the perfect balance of entirely relevant subject matter and gut-busting humor.

Adventureland

Sure, on the surface this is a sporadically funny and standard coming-of-age story. But like most of the best films that rely on subtlety to get the job done, Greg Mottola's intricate dramedy is full of personal touches and grounded performances that feel plucked from everyday life.