High-Concept Comedy backdrop

High-Concept Comedy movies

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

Nanny McPhee

1. Nanny McPhee

Fantasy Comedy Family Supernatural Fantasy Parent-Child Family
6.6
20051h 37min

Overview

Widower Cedric Brown hires Nanny McPhee to care for his seven rambunctious children, who have chased away all previous nannies. Taunted by Simon and his siblings, Nanny McPhee uses mystical powers to instill discipline. And when the children's great-aunt and benefactor, Lady Adelaide Stitch, threatens to separate the kids, the family pulls together under the guidance of Nanny McPhee.

Themes

Authority and rebellion, Deception and appearances, Guardianship and custody, Discipline and transformation, Nontraditional family formation, Economic leverage in family

Available on

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

Happy Endings

2. Happy Endings

Comedy Drama Romance Romantic Comedy Relationship Drama
6.3
20052h 8min

Overview

Filmmaker Nicky offers to track down the son that Mamie gave up for adoption nearly two decades before. Meanwhile, Mamie's stepbrother (and the father of her child), Charley, along with his boyfriend, Gil, try to find out what became of the sperm Gil donated to a lesbian couple. Finally, singer Jude becomes entangled in a love triangle with androgynous drummer Otis and his conservative father.

Themes

Nontraditional family dynamics, Hidden parental ties, Infidelity consequences, Reputation versus affection, Complex romantic networks, Secret histories and loyalties

Available on

Apple TV
Starz Apple TV Channel
Starz Roku Premium Channel
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Criminal

3. Criminal

Action Comedy Thriller High-Concept Comedy Mind Game Thriller
6.4
20041h 27min

Overview

Needing a new partner capable of intricate cons, Richard Gaddis, recruits Rodrigo, a crook with a perfect poker face. The two plan a big-time scam: selling a fake Silver Certificate to currency collector William Hannigan. Rodrigo distrusts his new associate, but needs money to help out his ill father. The situation becomes more complicated when Rodrigo falls for Gaddis' sister, Valerie, drawing another player into the game.

Themes

Deception under pressure, Calculated risk and reward, Precarious alliances, Loyalty under temptation, Financial duty vs desire, Performance and appearance

Available on

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

Stage Beauty

4. Stage Beauty

Comedy Romance Romantic Comedy High-Concept Comedy
7.1
20041h 46min

Overview

Humble Maria, who outfits top London theater star Ned Kynaston, takes none of the credit for the male actor's success at playing women. And because this is the 17th century, Maria, like other females, is prohibited from pursuing her dream of acting. But when powerful people support her, King Charles II lifts the ban on female stage performers. And just as Maria aided Ned, she needs his help to learn her new profession.

Themes

Gendered theatre barriers, Legitimacy versus novelty, Patronage and access, Role reversal and adaptation, Public opinion and fame, Mentorship and skill transfer

Available on

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

13 Going on 30

5. 13 Going on 30

Comedy Fantasy Romance High-Concept Comedy Romantic Comedy
6.3
20041h 38min

Overview

After total humiliation at her thirteenth birthday party, Jenna Rink wants to just hide until she's thirty. Thanks to some magic wishing dust, Jenna's prayer has been answered. With a knockout body, a fabulous wardrobe, an athlete boyfriend, a dream job, and superstar friends, this can't be a better life. But soon Jenna realizes that adult life isn’t as easy as she hoped for.

Themes

Time travel ethics, Appearance vs authenticity, Time jump consequences, Editor-in-chief pressures, Loyalty and deception, Sabotage in publishing

Available on

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

50 First Dates

6. 50 First Dates

Comedy Romance Romantic Comedy High-Concept Comedy
6.8
20041h 39min

Overview

Henry is a player skilled at seducing women. But when this veterinarian meets Lucy, a girl with a quirky problem when it comes to total recall, he realizes it's possible to fall in love all over again…and again, and again. That's because the delightful Lucy has no short-term memory, so Henry must woo her day after day until he finally sweeps her off her feet.

Themes

Memory as obstacle, Deception within romance, Adaptation and commitment, Second chances in love, Humor in vulnerability, Memory-informed trust

Available on

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

Chasing Liberty

7. Chasing Liberty

Comedy Romance Romantic Comedy High-Concept Comedy
6.1
20041h 51min

Overview

The President's daughter, unable to experience life like a normal 18 year-old, escapes from her entourage of Secret Service agents while traveling in Europe. She falls in love with a handsome British stranger, who also happens to be working undercover for her father.

Themes

Trust under pressure, Duty versus desire, Freedom under surveillance, Travel as rebellion, Deception and romance, Generational protection pressures

Available on

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

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

8. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Comedy Romance Romantic Comedy High-Concept Comedy
6.5
20031h 56min

Overview

It's the battle of wills, as Andie needs to prove she can dump a guy in 10 days, whereas Ben needs to prove he can win a girl in 10 days. Now, the clock is ticking—and the wildly entertaining comedy smash is off and running in this irresistible tale of sex, lies and outrageous romantic fireworks!

Themes

Deception in romance, Battle of the sexes, Dating as performance, Media influence on romance, Professional ambition and affection, Social image vs genuine feelings

Available on

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

Sweet Home Alabama

9. Sweet Home Alabama

Comedy Romance Romantic Comedy High-Concept Comedy
6.2
20021h 48min

Overview

New York fashion designer, Melanie Carmichael suddenly finds herself engaged to the city's most eligible bachelor. But her past holds many secrets—including Jake, the redneck husband she married in high school, who refuses to divorce her. Bound and determined to end their contentious relationship once and for all, Melanie sneaks back home to Alabama to confront her past.

Themes

Appearance versus reality, Marriage and autonomy, Urban success vs rural roots, Social mobility pressures, Family influence and control, Loyalty and reconciliation

Available on

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

Good Advice

10. Good Advice

Comedy Romance Romantic Comedy High-Concept Comedy
6.2
20011h 33min

Overview

An investment banker loses everything and must discover what's important in life.

Themes

Deception and betrayal, Financial ruin and reinvention, Media influence and manipulation, Reputation under pressure, Romance versus ambition, Social capital and trust

Available on

Fandango at Home Free
Plex
Plex Channel
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.