Madagascar

Madagascar is currently streaming in Australia on Amazon Prime Video and BINGE, and in the UK on Amazon Prime Video and ITVX Premium, and it delivers exactly the kind of comedy that earns a loyal following. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. With 11,816 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Watch it for Ben Stiller — stay for everyone else around them. Put it on tonight on Amazon Prime Video and see for yourself.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Madagascar is worth clearing space for. The jokes in Madagascar land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. Four animal friends get a taste of the wild life when they break out of captivity at the Central Park Zoo and wash ashore on the island of Madagascar. Between them, Ben Stiller and Chris Rock carry the comedy without ever forcing it. It hit screens in 2005. The timing in Madagascar is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

If you need a comedy that actually makes you laugh, Madagascar is a strong candidate. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Ben Stiller is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.