The Funniest Female-Led Comedy Movies Ever Made
Remember when everyone was trying to make “fetch” happen? Or when “as if” became part of a female teenager’s everyday vernacular? We can thank female-led comedies like Mean Girls and Clueless for adding some very classic jargon to our language that is still being used today. Years back there was a debate on whether girls could be funny. Considering the massive success of comedy writers like Tina Fey and Amy Schumer, that argument seems totally silly in retrospect. Women are funny and comedies that feature females in lead roles are often hilarious. This list features the best recent female-led comedy movies might also be streaming on Netflix.
This list also contains a neat spin on the classic mismatched buddy cop movie, a fish out of water comedy, a few revenge comedies, a little competitive cheerleading, gals playing baseball during WII, a couple genre-bending romances, and an independent film about teenage pregnancy.
No matter the plotline or subgenre , one major aspect remains the same: these comedies starring women are funny. The female actresses in these movies play hilarious roles in timeless, smart scripts. Some are charismatic lead actresses, others are part of ensembles, and still others are part of female comedy duos. They'll all make you laugh out loud in these movies, though.
Be sure to upvote your favorite female-led comedy movie. If we missed one that you think should be on this list, let us know if the comments section below. Just remember one very important piece of advice: there is no crying in baseball.
- 12011
- Actors: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Ellie Kemper, Wendi McLendon-Covey
- Directed by: Paul Feig
An outrageously hilarious story of mayhem and matrimony that you won't soon forget. When the competition between a bride-to-be's best friend and her glamorous new in-law leaves both women reeling, chaos ensues, leading to outlandish antics and side-splitting laughter. This uproarious comedy is chock-full of laughs and showcases the considerable talents of a female-driven cast.
- 22001
- Actors: Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Matthew Davis, Victor Garber
- Directed by: Robert Luketic
With a healthy dose of girl power and a tenacious spirit, this delightful comedy follows a seemingly ditzy sorority girl who decides to attend Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend. Determined to show that there's more to her than meets the eye, she uses her wit, charm, and fashion sense to navigate the cutthroat world of law and prove herself capable of anything.
- 32004
- Actors: Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tina Fey, Tim Meadows, Amy Poehler
- Directed by: Mark Waters
High school has never been more ruthless (or amusing) as this sharp-witted film takes on the trials and tribulations of teenage life. After transferring from Africa to the frenzy of suburban high school, our protagonist quickly gets a crash course in clique culture and the hazards of social climbing, only to discover that the meanest girls might just be the key to her survival – and her ultimate downfall.
- 41995
- Actors: Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, Paul Rudd, Dan Hedaya
- Directed by: Amy Heckerling
This timeless, modern adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma follows the life of a rich, beautiful, and occasionally clueless teenager as she navigates the tricky waters of romance, friendship, and self-discovery. As she matches wits with various suitors and their shenanigans, she gradually learns that her role as a matchmaker can sometimes backfire and cause more trouble than it's worth.
- 52010
- Actors: Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes, Dan Byrd, Thomas Haden Church
- Directed by: Will Gluck
Inspired by the classic novel The Scarlet Letter, this witty and highly entertaining coming-of-age tale centers on a high school girl whose little white lie about losing her virginity spirals out of control. As her reputation quickly unravels, she decides to embrace her newfound infamy and use it to her advantage, charming viewers with her quick wit and unabashed confidence.
- 62015
- Actors: Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Rose Byrne, Miranda Hart, Bobby Cannavale
- Directed by: Paul Feig
In this thrilling action-comedy, a CIA analyst reluctantly takes on the role of an international spy when her partner goes missing and the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Juggling her day job, her undercover operation, and a series of unexpected obstacles, she quickly proves that brains, brawn, and a whole lot of humor make for one unstoppable force in the field of espionage.
