Shark Tale

Shark Tale is currently streaming in Australia on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, and in the US on Peacock Premium, and it delivers exactly the kind of comedy that earns a loyal following. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. A 6/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Will Smith leads a cast with real comic timing. Available now on Netflix — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Shark Tale earns its spot. The jokes in Shark Tale land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. Oscar is a small fish whose big aspirations often get him into trouble. Meanwhile, Lenny is a great white shark with a surprising secret that no sea creature would guess: He's a vegetarian. When a lie turns Oscar into an improbable hero and Lenny becomes an outcast, the two form an unlikely friendship. Between them, Will Smith and Robert De Niro carry the comedy without ever forcing it. It hit screens in 2004. The real test of any comedy is whether it is still funny once you know all the jokes, and Shark Tale 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.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, Shark Tale respects your intelligence. 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. Will Smith is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.