Dope

If you are after a comedy that actually makes you laugh out loud, Dope is available in the US on Amazon Prime Video and Philo, and in the UK on Netflix right now. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. Its 7/10 TMDB score, built from 1,593 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Shameik Moore sets the tone, and the rest of the cast matches it scene for scene. Available now on Amazon Prime Video — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Dope is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Dope from the crowd. Malcolm is carefully surviving life in a tough neighborhood in Los Angeles while juggling college applications, academic interviews, and the SAT. A chance invitation to an underground party leads him into an adventure that could allow him to go from being a geek, to being dope, to ultimately being himself. Shameik Moore and Zoë Kravitz lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2015. The real test of any comedy is whether it is still funny once you know all the jokes, and Dope 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.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, Dope respects your intelligence. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Shameik Moore sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.