Shrek

Right now you can watch Shrek in Australia on Amazon Prime Video and BINGE, and in the US on Peacock Premium — 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. 18,958 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Mike Myers leads a cast with real comic timing. Available now on Amazon Prime Video — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Shrek is worth clearing space for. Shrek gets the fundamentals right first, then finds room to get weird with it. It ain't easy bein' green -- especially if you're a likable (albeit smelly) ogre named Shrek. On a mission to retrieve a gorgeous princess from the clutches of a fire-breathing dragon, Shrek teams up with an unlikely compatriot -- a wisecracking donkey. Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy lead a cast that never overplays a joke. It was released in 2001. The timing in Shrek is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. The hit rate here is high enough that skipping ahead never feels like an option.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, Shrek respects your intelligence. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Mike Myers sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.