Ed Wood

Right now you can watch Ed Wood in Australia on Disney Plus — and it is funnier than its reputation suggests. 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 2,529 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Johnny Depp leads a cast with real comic timing. Available now on Disney Plus — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Ed Wood is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. The jokes in Ed Wood land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. The mostly true story of the legendary "worst director of all time", who, with the help of his strange friends, filmed countless B-movies without ever becoming famous or successful. Johnny Depp and Martin Landau lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1994. The real test of any comedy is whether it is still funny once you know all the jokes, and Ed Wood holds up on rewatch in a way that separates it from one-off curiosities. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

Comedy fans looking for a reliably funny watch will find it in Ed Wood. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Johnny Depp's comic timing carries it through its weaker moments. The kind of comedy you recommend to someone who claims they do not watch much.