High-Concept Comedy backdrop

High-Concept Comedy movies

A bold premise or rule twist generates the laughs, creating consistent setups, reversals, and comic payoffs.

Mary Poppins Returns

1. Mary Poppins Returns

Fantasy Family Comedy Supernatural Fantasy Holiday Family
6.7
20182h 11min

Overview

Mary Poppins returns to the Banks family and helps them evade grave dangers by taking them on magical, musical adventures.

Themes

Economic precarity, Institutional corruption, Caregiving as catalyst, Family resilience, Debt and repossession, Depression era

Available on

Disney Plus
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Princess Switch

2. The Princess Switch

Romance Comedy Romantic Comedy High-Concept Comedy
6.1
20181h 41min

Overview

When a down-to-earth Chicago baker and a soon-to-be princess discover they look like twins, they hatch a Christmastime plan to trade places.

Themes

Deception through disguise, Public scrutiny, Class expectations, Role swapping, Longing for normalcy, Romance across social boundaries

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Crazy Rich Asians

3. Crazy Rich Asians

Comedy Romance Romantic Comedy High-Concept Comedy
6.9
20182h 1min

Overview

An American-born Chinese economics professor accompanies her boyfriend to Singapore for his best friend's wedding, only to get thrust into the lives of Asia's rich and famous.

Themes

Appearance versus reality, Family expectations, Social climbing pressures, Wealth display vs merit, Loyalty under wealth, In-law dynamics

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir

4. The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir

Comedy Adventure Drama Globetrotting Adventure High-Concept Comedy
6.8
20181h 36min

Overview

Ajatashatru Lavash Patel has lived all his life in a small Mumbai neighborhood tricking people with street magic and fakir stunts. He sets out on a journey to find his estranged father but instead gets dragged on a never-ending adventure.

Themes

Deception as survival, Longing for home, Cross-cultural encounters, Social mobility constraints, Refugee solidarity and aid, Improvised travel economy

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Christmas Inheritance

5. Christmas Inheritance

Romance Comedy Romantic Comedy High-Concept Comedy
5.7
20171h 45min

Overview

To inherit her father's company, socialite Ellen must first visit his small hometown, where she learns the value of hard work and helping others.

Themes

"movie: christmas inheritance. genres: romance, Comedy, Romance, Comedy main themes: holiday, Snowstorm, Inheritance, Holiday, Snowstorm, Inheritance full keywords list: holiday, Snowstorm, Inheritance, Christmas card, True love, Christmas. concept analysis: the film explores the transformative power of community and the importance of humility in personal growth. it highlights the contrast between wealth and genuine human connection, Emphasizing that true inheritance lies in values rather than material possessions."

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Unicorn Store

6. Unicorn Store

Fantasy Drama Comedy Supernatural Fantasy Family Drama
5.6
20171h 31min

Overview

A woman named Kit moves back to her parent's house, where she receives a mysterious invitation that would fulfill her childhood dreams.

Themes

"movie: unicorn store. genres: fantasy, Drama, Comedy, Fantasy, Drama, Comedy main themes: dreams, Allegory, Misfit, Dreams, Allegory, Misfit full keywords list: dreams, Allegory, Misfit, Unicorn, Woman director. concept analysis: the film explores the tension between childhood dreams and adult realities, Highlighting the importance of self-acceptance and personal growth. it emphasizes that true fulfillment comes not from external fantasies but from understanding oneself and nurturing meaningful relationships."

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Brigsby Bear

7. Brigsby Bear

Comedy Drama High-Concept Comedy Coming-of-Age Drama
7.3
20171h 37min

Overview

Brigsby Bear Adventures is a children's TV show produced for an audience of one: James. When the show abruptly ends, James's life changes forever, and he sets out to finish the story himself.

Themes

Deception and disclosure, Art as coping mechanism, Boundaries of normalcy, External validation vs inner need, Captivity and found family, Creativity as belonging

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The House

8. The House

Comedy Crime High-Concept Comedy Organized Crime
5.6
20171h 28min

Overview

When Scott and Kate Johansen’s daughter gets into the college of her dreams it’s cause for celebration. That is, until Scott and Kate learn that the scholarship they were counting on didn’t come through, and they’re now on the hook for tuition they can’t begin to afford. With the help of their friend and neighbor Frank also in need of a major payday they decide to open an illegal casino in his suburban house, risking everything together on a Vegas-style bacchanal where money flows, inhibitions are checked at the door, and all bets are off.

Themes

Financial desperation, Card counting, Tuition burden, Underground casino, Mob boss, Town hall scrutiny

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
HBO Max
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List

9. Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List

Romance Comedy Romantic Comedy High-Concept Comedy
5.5
20151h 29min

Overview

The bonds between Naomi and Ely are tested when they fall for the same guy.

Themes

Jealousy and betrayal, Relationships under pressure, Friendship vs romance, Sexual orientation and identity, Multiple forms of love, Boundaries and trust

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

She's Funny That Way

10. She's Funny That Way

Comedy Romance Romantic Comedy High-Concept Comedy
6.2
20151h 33min

Overview

On the set of a playwright's new project, a love triangle forms between his wife, her ex-lover, and the call girl-turned-actress cast in the production.

Themes

Exploitation and agency, Deception in performance, Infidelity and ambition, Art-world negotiation, Marriage and temptation, Public exposure and stigma

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.