Looking for some hilarious workplace antics on the big screen? Get ready to laugh out loud with this list of the best and not-so-great workplace comedies! We’ve got you covered with movie trailers for each film, so you can preview the hilarity before you watch.
From the legendary Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy to the side-splitting Barbershop, we’ve handpicked a mix of films that will keep you entertained. Discover the crème de la crème of workplace comedies, guaranteed to tickle your funny bone.
If you’re in the mood for some fresh laughs, look no further than streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu. They have a treasure trove of PG-13 workplace comedies waiting for you to dive into. Grab some popcorn, kick back, and let the laughter begin!
Want to share this awesome list with your buddies and hear their thoughts? Spread the comedy love on social media! You can easily reshuffle the lineup and share it on Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, and more. Let the debates and laughter ensue!
Ever wondered about the brilliant minds behind these workplace comedy gems? Look no further! Esteemed directors like Woody Allen and Adam McKay have left their mark on the genre, along with a host of other talented visionaries. Dive into their filmographies and discover even more laughter-inducing masterpieces.
1. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy is a hilarious comedy set in the 1970s. It stars the talented Will Ferrell as the egotistical news anchor, Ron Burgundy. The story takes place in San Diego and revolves around Ron’s world being turned upside down when ambitious reporter Veronica Corningstone, played by Christina Applegate, challenges the male-dominated industry. Directed by Adam McKay, this film is a riot of laughs and features an amazing ensemble cast, including Paul Rudd and Steve Carell. It brilliantly explores gender dynamics in the workplace, all while keeping us entertained with absurd humor and stylish vintage fashion. It’s no wonder the film was nominated for two MTV Movie Awards, solidifying its status as a cult classic.
Released: 2004
Directed by: Adam McKay
Actors: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd
2. Barbershop
A smart comedy unfolds as we dive into a day in the life of a barbershop on the south side of Chicago. Calvin, played by Ice Cube, finds himself stuck with his late father’s struggling business. To him, the shop is nothing but a burden and a complete waste of his precious time. However, things take an unexpected turn when Calvin decides to sell the shop to a local loan shark. As the story progresses, Calvin starts to grasp his father’s vision and the significance of the shop’s legacy. He wrestles with the regretful realization that he may have betrayed his father’s dream by selling it out.
Released: 2002
Directed by: Tim Story
Actors: Ice Cube, Anthony Anderson, Cedric the Entertainer
3. The Devil Wears Prada
The Devil Wears Prada is a drama-comedy directed by David Frankel that takes us into the thrilling yet cutthroat world of the fashion industry. The story follows Andrea Sachs, a young journalist played by Anne Hathaway, who lands a challenging job as an assistant to the ruthless editor-in-chief of Runway magazine, Miranda Priestly, portrayed by Meryl Streep. As Andrea navigates through the chaotic world of high-fashion and deals with Miranda’s relentless demands, she is forced to confront her own identity and integrity. Alongside Hathaway and Streep, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci also star, bringing depth to this tale of ambition and sacrifice. This critically acclaimed film, which received an Oscar nomination, offers viewers a glimpse into the glamorous facade that hides the harsh reality of the fashion industry.
Released: 2006
Directed by: David Frankel
Actors: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Adrian Grenier
4. Barbershop 2: Back in Business
This sequel takes us back to the Chicago barbershop owned by Calvin Palmer Jr. (Ice Cube). Calvin’s employees, including Isaac (Troy Garity), Terri (Eve), Ricky (Michael Ealy), Dinka (Leonard Earl Howze), and Kenard, are dealing with their own personal and workplace issues. To make matters more challenging, a new barbershop called Nappy Cutz has recently opened up across the street. With Calvin striving to transform his business, the presence of Nappy Cutz and the process of gentrification start posing a threat to the community around them.
Released: 2004
Directed by: Kevin Rodney Sullivan
Actors: Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer, Sean Patrick Thomas
5. What Women Want
In the romantic comedy What Women Want, we meet Nick Marshall (played by Mel Gibson), an advertising executive who has a rather chauvinistic outlook on life. However, everything changes for him after a freak accident grants him the unexpected ability to hear the thoughts of women. At first, this new power throws him off balance, but he soon realizes that it can actually be quite advantageous, both in his personal life and at work, especially when dealing with his tough boss, Darcy Maguire (played by Helen Hunt). As he navigates through this peculiar situation, Nick’s perspective on women starts to shift, and he begins to understand and respect them in a way he never has before. This unexpected journey ultimately leads to a transformative experience for him. What Women Want is an intriguing film that delves into the complex themes of gender dynamics and empathy.
Released: 2000
Directed by: Nancy Meyers
Actors: Mel Gibson, Helen Hunt, Marisa Tomei
6. Two Weeks Notice
Dedicated environmental lawyer Lucy Kelson, played by Sandra Bullock, finds herself in an interesting predicament when she takes a job with billionaire George Wade, portrayed by Hugh Grant. The reason? A deal to save a community center.
However, George is far from being a decisive and strong-willed individual. In fact, he becomes heavily reliant on Lucy for guidance on everything, ranging from legal matters to even choosing what to wear. Overwhelmed and frustrated, Lucy finally reaches her breaking point and decides to quit.
In her search for a replacement, Lucy selects June Carter, a Harvard graduate played by Alicia Witt. As her time at the firm comes to an end, Lucy begins to feel a tinge of jealousy towards June and starts reconsidering her decision to leave George.
Released: 2002
Directed by: Marc Lawrence
Actors: Sandra Bullock, Hugh Grant, Alicia Witt
7. The Nanny Diaries
Annie Braddock, a college student from a working-class background, lands a nanny job with Mr. and Mrs. X, a wealthy yet extremely dysfunctional couple from Manhattan. Her challenge now is to juggle her studies, a budding romance, and the demands of her new employers and their spoiled kids.
Released: 2007
Directed by: Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini
Actors: Scarlett Johansson, Laura Linney, Paul Giamatti
8. Year of the Dog
After Peggy’s cherished beagle passes away out of the blue, she, being an office worker, starts searching for ways to fill the emptiness in her life. Unfortunately, her attempts to find solace by bringing treats for her colleagues and doting on other people’s children prove unsuccessful. Even her ill-advised love affair with a gun enthusiast fizzles out, leaving her feeling more lost than ever. As a result, Peggy takes a turn towards a different direction, becoming deeply involved with dogs in more ways than one.
Released: 2007
Directed by: Mike White
Actors: Molly Shannon, Laura Dern, Regina King
9. Outsourced
American call-center manager Todd, played by Josh Hamilton, receives surprising news that his company is closing down and relocating to India. He is informed that he will be leading the transition team and training his Indian counterpart in Mumbai. Needless to say, this is a task Todd is not looking forward to. Initially, he finds himself perplexed by the intricacies of Indian culture. However, as time goes on, Todd starts to establish rapport with his new colleagues. With the assistance of Asha, a female staff member portrayed by Ayesha Dharker, he begins to develop an appreciation for his unfamiliar surroundings.
Released: 2006
Directed by: John Jeffcoat
Actors: Josh Hamilton, Ayesha Dharkar, Matt Smith
10. Little Black Book
Stacey, played by Brittany Murphy, is an associate producer on a daytime talk show hosted by Kippie Kann, portrayed by Kathy Bates. Stacey finds herself frustrated with her boyfriend, Derek, played by Ron Livingston, who refuses to open up about his past relationships. Feeling the need to unravel this mystery, she takes matters into her own hands.
With a little push from her co-worker Barb, portrayed by Holly Hunter, Stacey decides to steal Derek’s phone. Her plan? To contact his ex-girlfriends and interview them for the show, making it seem like a harmless segment. Little does she know, things are about to take an unexpected turn.
As Stacey delves deeper into her undercover investigation, she unexpectedly develops a friendship with one of Derek’s ex-girlfriends, portrayed by Julianne Nicholson. This newfound connection adds a layer of complexity to the situation, blurring the lines between her personal and professional life.
In this captivating story filled with twists and turns, Stacey’s journey to uncover the truth about Derek’s past relationships takes an intriguing and unexpected path. Will she find the answers she’s looking for, or will her actions have unintended consequences?
Released: 2004
Directed by: Nick Hurran
Actors: Brittany Murphy, Holly Hunter, Kathy Bates
11. The First $20 Million Is Always the Hardest
A marketing executive who has achieved success in his career makes a bold decision to leave behind his fast-paced, ambitious lifestyle. He reaches a realization that he desires to be a creator rather than solely a seller. In pursuit of this new path, he joins the ranks of a renowned high-tech company in the area. However, his arrival is met with mockery from the brilliant project leader within the organization.
Despite facing initial ridicule, he is assigned to a team comprised of individuals who are considered misfits due to their dysfunctional tendencies. Yet, it is precisely through their unique imagination and resourcefulness that they manage to develop something extraordinary. Their creation possesses the potential to completely revolutionize the industry they operate in.
Released: 2002
Directed by: Mick Jackson
Actors: Adam Garcia, Rosario Dawson, Jake Busey