Intolerable Cruelty

Right now you can watch Intolerable Cruelty on streaming — and it is funnier than its reputation suggests. The length is exactly right for the story it is telling — nothing rushed, nothing dragged out. 1,677 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. George Clooney's performance alone is worth the time investment. Start it whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Intolerable Cruelty is worth clearing space for. The jokes in Intolerable Cruelty land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. A revenge-seeking gold digger marries a womanizing Beverly Hills lawyer with the intention of making a killing in the divorce. George Clooney and Catherine Zeta-Jones 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 Intolerable Cruelty holds up on rewatch in a way that separates it from one-off curiosities. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Comedy fans looking for a reliably funny watch will find it in Intolerable Cruelty. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. George Clooney is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.