Comedy movies have been fewer and farther between in recent years, but this new A24 movie, now on streaming, is a must-watch in the genre. After the box office performance of The Naked Gun, there is some hope that comedies could soon see a renaissance, as some of the best contemporary comedic voices turn their talents to film.

There have still been great comedies in recent years. Movies like Joy Ride and Good Boys have made for great theatrical experiences, while streaming has seen far more hilarious hits. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm and Summer of 69 are a few strong examples of this.

With 2026 seeing a big, new comedy from South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, and development underway on reboots to spoof properties Spaceballs and Scary Movie, comedies are on an upward trajectory. Much of this change in atтιтude is due to quality works from the past several years, including this compelling new film.

Paul Rudd & Tim Robinson’s Friendship Is A Hilariously Cringe Comedy

Friendship, the directorial debut feature from Andrew DeYoung, is a new comedy now streaming on HBO Max. The film tells the story of father and husband Craig Waterman as he strikes up a friendship with his much cooler neighbor, Austin Carmichael. While the two initially connect, some of Craig’s strange actions wind up placing them at a distance.

Tim Robinson has become such an original voice in comedy. His character in Friendship feels pulled directly from the best sketches on I Think You Should Leave, but the film also takes the time to humanize his absurd features. Much of the comedy in the film feels satisfyingly akin to that show.

Friendship‘s Rotten Tomatoes score is shockingly high, with the film certified fresh and carrying an 87% approval rating from critics. Notably, the Rotten Tomatoes audience rating is a less effusive 73%. While still positive, this does accurately attest to the transgressive feel of the film’s comedy.

Much like The Banshees of Inisherin, Friendship chronicles the painful dissolution of a relationship between two men. While the new film does turn nearly as brutal as the Martin McDonagh feature, it does examine some of the deeper character moments in some unexpected ways.

Friendship earns laughs, but some of them feel off. Robinson’s Craig experiences harrowing isolation, and in attempting to connect with both his neighbor and his family, he finds himself being pushed farther and farther away. There is a deep loneliness to Craig, and it often feels cruel to laugh at his misfortunes.

Regardless, the film is among the stronger comedies released in 2025, and is worth checking out as audiences await another season of I Think You Should Leave. A surprisingly emotional script, great humor, and excellent performances make Friendship a must-see on HBO Max.