Anger Management

If you are after a comedy that actually makes you laugh out loud, Anger Management is available in Australia on Amazon Prime Video and Stan, and in the US on Kanopy and Hoopla right now. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. 3,475 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Adam Sandler is the obvious draw, but the whole ensemble earns its laughs. Put it on tonight on Amazon Prime Video and see for yourself.

Anger Management is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. The jokes in Anger Management land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. After a small misunderstanding aboard an airplane escalates out of control, timid businessman Dave Buznik is ordered by the court to undergo anger management therapy at the hands of specialist Dr. Buddy Rydell. But when Buddy steps up his aggressive treatment by moving in, Dave goes from mild to wild as the unorthodox treatment wreaks havoc with his life. Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2003. The real test of any comedy is whether it is still funny once you know all the jokes, and Anger Management holds up on rewatch in a way that separates it from one-off curiosities. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

If you need a comedy that actually makes you laugh, Anger Management is a strong candidate. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Adam Sandler is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.