Funny Books and Movies For Hard Times
This page has affiliate links in it for your convenience. I may earn a small commission at no cost to you when you use one of these links. When you use these links, it helps support the mission of Raise The Good. Thank you! For more information, click here.
We all need a pick-me-up sometimes! Here are some funny books, movies and videos to cheer up your day. Binge-watching and reading are totally allowed!
Short Videos
1. Ryan Hamilton
Ryan Hamilton is a hilarious and self-deprecating comedian. I love how he is truly funny and doesn’t stoop to crude jokes in order to be successful. This set earned him a standing ovation on the Jimmy Falon show. He also has a show (“Happy Face”) on Netflix.
2. Show Offs
Show Offs is offered by (free) BYUtv and is a sister show to Studio C (also very funny, though I prefer their earlier work). This is an improv show, where the audience determines the genre of the show (Western, Broadway, Sci-Fi, etc.). Improv music, singing, dancing and a lack of scripts all make this very funny. Features Lisa Valentine Clark and sometimes Shaun Johnson from the Johnson Files, as well as special celebrity guests. It’s not on Youtube, so I can’t add the video here, but my favorite skit is “Never Happy Again”. Check them out!
3. Tim Hawkins
This dad is crazy funny and your kids will love him too. He does a lot of song parodies, including, “Cletus Take the Reel.” Find his YouTube channel here. One night our family spent an entire evening giggling at his stuff on YouTube.
4. Kid Histories (Bored Shorts TV)
Kid Histories are a little trippy at first- because it’s adults lip-syncing to children’s words. It takes a while to get used to, but they are very funny. Give them a try!
5. The Johnson FIles
Sean Johnson (who is often on Show Offs, above) and his wife make SUPER funny videos on Instagram. Their Instagram link is here.
Movies
I always
6. The Importance of Being Earnest
Good glory, this is funny. So, so clever. Colin Firth, Judy Dench, Reese Witherspoon, and Rupert Everett are all absolutely amazing. (Has some innuendo, might not be for kids, depending on your family.)
7. Support Your Local Sheriff
James Garner is at his absolute best as a gunman working his way to Australia. Along the way, he becomes sheriff and meets the craziest woman ever. We love this movie! (Has a little cussing and innuendo.) I DO NOT recommend the companion movie, Support Your Local Gunfighter. It’s not at all the same unfortunately, and has a ton more innuendo. It’s not charming or funny.
8. Princess Bride
Does anyone else’s family quote this as often as mine does? This is a classic. Take time to revisit it!
9. The Ghost and Mr. Chicken
Technically, this is more of a Halloween movie, but it is Don Knotts at his best. A wanna-be reporter investigates a haunted house. “Atta Boy, Luther!”
10. Blackbeard’s Ghost
This old Disney classic is SO much fun! A professor gets an accidental and embarrassing ghostly sidekick.
11. Sing
I adore this feel-good movie. I even watched it yesterday with my kids when I wasn’t feeling well. Makes you tap your toes and feel happy!
Books
12. Hank the Cow Dog
A ranch dog with a huge ego tells stories of his daily adventures. Kids LOVE these, we almost always get one when we go to the library. The audio versions are super fun.
13. Alcatraz vs the Evil Librarians
It took me a while to get on board with these- they are so quirky! But once you “get” them– so, so, so funny. The audio version of this book series has an exceptional narrator.
14. A Fine and Pleasant Misery
Don’t judge this book by it’s cover! Pat McManus is basically your red-neck grandfather telling stories of his youth. But he’s hilarious. I cry when I read his books, I’m laughing so hard. If you enjoy tales of hunting, fishing, and camping- don’t miss this book. Don’t miss it even if you don’t like those things!
