The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available in Australia on Disney Plus and Stan, and in the US on Disney Plus and Hulu. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. Its 8/10 TMDB score, built from 5,165 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Cary Elwes's performance alone is worth the time investment. Put it on tonight on Disney Plus and see for yourself.

There is a reason The Princess Bride keeps coming up in conversation. The Princess Bride gets the fundamentals right first, then finds room to get weird with it. In this enchantingly cracked fairy tale, the beautiful Princess Buttercup and the dashing Westley must overcome staggering odds to find happiness amid six-fingered swordsmen, murderous princes, Sicilians and rodents of unusual size. But even death can't stop these true lovebirds from triumphing. Cary Elwes and Robin Wright lead a cast with the timing to make it work. It was released in 1987. What keeps The Princess Bride from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. It rarely drops the ball, and when it does, it recovers fast.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, The Princess Bride 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. Cary Elwes's comic timing carries it through its weaker moments. The kind of comedy you recommend to someone who claims they do not watch much.