Shaun of the Dead

If you are after a comedy that actually makes you laugh out loud, Shaun of the Dead is available in Australia on BINGE, and in the UK on Disney Plus and ITVX Premium right now. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. With 9,439 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Simon Pegg's performance alone is worth the time investment. Start it on BINGE whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Shaun of the Dead is worth clearing space for. The jokes in Shaun of the Dead land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. Shaun lives a supremely uneventful life, which revolves around his girlfriend, his mother, and, above all, his local pub. This gentle routine is threatened when the dead return to life and make strenuous attempts to snack on ordinary Londoners. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost lead a cast that never overplays a joke. It was released in 2004. Shaun of the Dead earns its laughs from character rather than situation, which is why it does not wear thin the way pure farce tends to. The hit rate here is high enough that skipping ahead never feels like an option.

If you need a comedy that actually makes you laugh, Shaun of the Dead is a strong candidate. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Simon Pegg is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.