Kanopy Movies That Make You Smile

by Jacy

Did you know you can watch movies online with your library card, using Kanopy? To get started, click here for a step by step guide. This list will help you choose some fun, silly, and hilarious movies to start your Kanopy viewing journey, all from the comfort of your home.

A cat in Paris

STREAMING VIDEO KANOPY
Comedy

In Paris, a cat who lives a secret life as a cat burglar's aide must come to the rescue of Zoe, a neighborhood girl whose mother is a police superintendent, after she falls into a gangster's clutches.

With this movie being described as "charming" and "gorgeous," it surely qualifies as a one that can make the viewer smile. It's a classic caper with a cat twist that I'm looking forward to watching with my own cat.
- Jacy

Young Adult.

STREAMING VIDEO KANOPY
Drama, Comedy

Oscar-winner Charlize Theron stars as Mavis Gary, a 37-year-old former prom queen, and current writer of young adult novels, who returns home to relive her glory days and win back her now-married high school sweetheart (Patrick Wilson). When she finds her homecoming more challenging than expected, Mavis forms an unusual bond with a former classmate (Patton Oswalt) and both must face the harsh realities of growing up in this brilliant and bittersweet one-of-a kind comedy. Nominated for a **Golden Globe** for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical. Official Selection at the **Berlin International Film Festival**. "*There is a raw honesty here rare in movies, and it's very funny too.*" - Cath Clarke, ***Time Out***

I was surprised to see this movie on kanopy, since I've somehow never heard of it despite the star studded cast. John Malkovich (one of my FAVORITE actors) is buried in the cast list, so I'm excited to watch this and see what part he plays.
- Jacy

A Street Cat Named Bob.

STREAMING VIDEO KANOPY
Drama, Comedy

Based on the international best-selling book, A STREET CAT NAMED BOB is a moving and uplifting feel-good true story. When James Bowen finds an injured street cat, he has no idea just how much his life is about to change. James lives hand to mouth on the streets of London and the last thing he needs is a pet. Yet James can’t resist helping the strikingly intelligent tom cat, whom he christens Bob. He slowly nurses Bob back to health and then sends the cat on his way, imagining he will never see him again. But soon the two are inseparable and their diverse, comic and occasionally dangerous adventures transform both their lives, slowly healing the scars of each other's troubled pasts. Winner of Best British Film at the **National Film Awards, UK**. *"A rewardingly unassuming, tough and tender portrait of a drug-addicted London busker whose ill-fated life takes a surprising turn after a ginger tabby turns up in his kitchen." - Michael Rechtshaffen, **The Los Angeles Times***

Any movie with a cat in it is a great movie, no one can change my mind on that. For some reason I keep thinking of "A Street Car Named Desire" when I see this title, but they aren't related of course.
- Jacy

The Disaster Artist.

STREAMING VIDEO KANOPY
Comedy, Drama

The incredible true story of aspiring filmmaker and Hollywood outsider Tommy Wiseau (James Franco) as he and his best friend Greg (Dave Franco) defiantly pursue their dreams and embark on the hilarious odyssey of making the now-infamous cult classic *The Room*. **Oscar** nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay. **Golden Globe** winner for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy. Nominated for Best Male Lead at the **Film Independent Spirit Awards**. "*A shockingly poignant portrait of the jealousies that arise when the creative process goes haywire.*" - Barry Hertz, ***Globe and Mail***

I have heard so many quotes and references to this movie and The Room that I was so excited to see it on kanopy. Finally, I'll understand what people are quoting at me!
- Jacy

The Little Shop of Horrors

STREAMING VIDEO KANOPY
Comedy, Horror

A clumsy florist grows a giant talking plant with a taste for human flesh. In order to whet his plant's appetite, he is forced to kill, leading to horrific -and comedic- results. This film inspired the 1980's musical of the same name.. "THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS has earned its small place in cult movie history." - Steve Biodrowski, Cinefantastique

It's hard to admit this, but I haven't actually watched this movie yet either. I have seen a play version of it done, and if it was movie accurate I'm looking forward to seeing the original cult classic.
- Jacy

Heads Together.

STREAMING VIDEO KANOPY
Comedy

A surreal story about three friends who exchange heads by accident and are forced to adapt to each others life. This leads to funny but also enriching situations. Will they be able to keep it secret? And will they ever get their own head back?

This short video is described as "simple" and "fun" by those who've seen it. In this short, saying someone has "lost their head" takes on an entirely new meaning.
- Jacy

The happy house.

STREAMING VIDEO KANOPY
Comedy, Horror

Their relationship on the rocks, a young Brooklyn couple heads to a remote bed & breakfast to work things out. But from the moment they arrive at The Happy House it's one disaster after another, and they soon begin to suspect they've wandered into a real life horror movie. Events escalate from weird to terrifying as they contend with the house's batty owner, her imposing son, a moody Swedish lepidopterist, a pedantic English professor, an extraordinarily rare butterfly, the world's best blueberry muffins, a .44 Magnum, a demented serial killer, and one very strict rulebook.

Being a huge fan of horror, when I saw a horror movie in kanopy's comedies list I couldn't resist adding it here. I'm excited to see how this mash-up turns out!
- Jacy

Swiss Army Man.

STREAMING VIDEO KANOPY
Comedy, Drama

Hank (Paul Dano) is stranded on a deserted island and given up all hope. Everything changes when a corpse named Manny (Daniel Radcliffe) washes ashore. The two become fast friends, and go on an epic adventure to bring Hank back to the woman of his dreams. Nominated for Best First Feature and Best Editing at the **Film Independent Spirit Awards**. Winner of a Directing Award at the **Sundance Film Festival**. "*Sometimes hilarious, ultimately poignant, "Swiss Army Man" is a picture like no other.*" - Soren Andersen, ***The Seattle Times*** "*Impossible to categorize, this stunningly original mix of the macabre and the magical combines comedy, tragedy, fantasy and love story into an utterly singular package that's beholden to no rules but its own.*" - Jeannette Catsoulis, ***The New York Times***

Make sure you read the summary before deciding to watch this movie, as many viewers fell into two categories after watching it; grossed out and confused, or smiling with awe. It has been on my list since it came out so I'll be taking this opportunity to finally watch it and see which category I fall into.
- Jacy

No Men Beyond This Point

STREAMING VIDEO KANOPY
Science Fiction, Comedy

A wry mockumentary that asks the question, what would the world be like if women were in charge?. Imagine a world where, since 1953, women have been able to reproduce without men and they are no longer giving birth to male babies. Now, over 60 years later, this deadpan comedy follows the youngest man still alive, 37 year-old Andrew Myers. Working as a housekeeper for a family of women, Andrew finds himself at the center of a battle to prevent men from going extinct.. Official Selection - Toronto International Film Festival

On the page for this movie in the kanopy website, there is a lively dialogue of reviews. The general sense I understand from those comments is that the best way to enjoy this movie is to not take it too seriously.
- Jacy

The Italian Job.

STREAMING VIDEO KANOPY
Action, Comedy

Charlie (Michael Caine) is out of jail and planning the heist of the century. Aided by top criminal mastermind Mr Bridger (Noël Coward), Charlie sets off with a team of villains and to lift {dollar}4,000,000 from under the noses of the Turin Police. Nominated for Best-English Foreign Film at the **Golden Globes.** "*A freewheeling, completely unpretentious chase comedy.*" - Eric Henderson, ***Slant Magazine***

For a more action centered comedy, look no further. I've seen the remake of this movie with Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron and loved it but had no idea there was a previous version. Honorable mention; the newer version of The Italian Job is in our physical DVD collection!
- Jacy

Hearts Beat Loud.

STREAMING VIDEO KANOPY
Drama, Comedy

In the hip Brooklyn neighborhood of Red Hook, single dad and record store owner Frank (Nick Offerman) is preparing to send his hard-working daughter Sam (Kiersey Clemons) off to college, while being forced to close his shop. Hoping to stay connected through their shared musical passions, Frank urges Sam to turn their weekly "jam sesh" into a father-daughter live act. After their first song becomes an Internet breakout, the two embark on a journey of love, growing up and musical discovery. Official Selection at the **Sundance Film Festival** and the **SXSW Film Festival**. *"Hearts Beat Loud is smart, sincere, expertly performed..."* - Mike D'Angelo, ***AV Club*** *"A truly sweet, funny, and downright likable comedy."* - Brian Tallerico, ***RogerEbert.com***

Learning that Nick Offerman is in this movie was all I needed to give it a stamp of approval. Even just seeing him brings a smile to my face!
- Jacy

What we do in the shadows.

STREAMING VIDEO KANOPY
Comedy, Horror, Thriller

Housemates Viago, Deacon, and Vladislav (Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi, & Jonathan Brugh) are three vampires who are trying to get by in modern society; from paying rent and doing housework to trying to get invited into nightclubs. They are just like anyone else - except they're immortal and must feast on human blood. When their 8000 year-old roommate Petyr, turns 20-something human hipster Nick, into a vampire, the guys must guide him through his newfound eternal life.

I've seen so many trailers for this movie and had no idea where to watch it; here's the answer! If you watch this movie and want more funny vampire content, we also have physical copies of the first season of the series.
- Jacy

Sensitivity Training.

STREAMING VIDEO KANOPY
Comedy

Serena is a misanthropic microbiologist, great with bacteria but horrible with people. After crossing a line with a colleague, Serena is forced into sensitivity training with Caroline, the bubbly woman assigned to be her coach. Caroline and her sunny disposition represent everything Serena hates, but she is determined to make Serena an acceptable human. While Serena does her best to get rid of Caroline, she may have finally met her match. Official Selection at the **Frameline Film Festival** and **Los Angeles FIlm Festival**. *"Melissa Finell's feature film debut, SENSITIVITY TRAINING, passes the Bechdel Test with flying colors."* - Trish Bendix, **AfterEllen**

At first I wasn't quite sure about this movie, but after looking at the summary and reading some glowing reviews about it I'm willing to add it to the list. It looks to be a study in stubbornness, a great jumping off point for some entertaining comedy.
- Jacy

Life After Beth.

STREAMING VIDEO KANOPY
Horror, Comedy

Zach (Dane DeHaan) is devastated by the unexpected death of his girlfriend, Beth (Aubrey Plaza), until she miraculously comes back to life. However, the newly returned Beth isn't quite how he remembered and before long, Zach's whole world takes a turn for the worse. Nominated for a Grand Jury Prize at the **Sundance Film Festival**. "*Charming, thoughtful and laugh-out-loud funny.*" - Geoff Berkshire, ***Variety*** "*Plaza is terrific. She commits so fully to her rabid, Romero-esque alter ego, she chews the movie up.*" - Chris Nashawaty, ***Entertainment Weekly***

A good horror/comedy is always welcome in my "to watch" list. This one features Aubrey Plaza, which is incredibly exciting since she is one of my favorite actresses.
- Jacy

Lady Bird.

STREAMING VIDEO KANOPY
Drama, Comedy

Directed by Greta Gerwig and nominated for five **Oscars**, LADY BIRD is a warm, affecting comedy about a high schooler (Saoirse Ronan) who must navigate a loving but turbulent relationship with her strong-willed mother (Laurie Metcalf) over the course of her eventful and poignant senior year of high school. **Golden Globe** winner for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy and Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy. **Film Independent Spirit Award** winner for Best Screenplay. "*As warm as it is smart - and it is very smart - LADYBIRD marks actor/screenwriter Greta Gerwig's superb debut as a solo director and yet another astonishing performance by star Saoirse Ronan.*" - Kenneth Turan, ***The Los Angeles Times***

No, I haven't seen this movie, but the amount of holds on it when we first got a copy shows that its very popular. It'll be fun to see what all the fuss was about!
- Jacy

Mister Rogers: It's You I Like.

STREAMING VIDEO KANOPY
Documentary

This new documentary pays tribute to the beloved Fred Rogers and the nearly 900 episodes of his landmark children's television program first seen in 1968 on PBS that continues to resonate with children and adults alike. In this retrospective hosted by Michael Keaton, enjoy memorable segments including visits with Koko the Gorilla and Margaret Hamilton as well as the iconic trip to the Crayola crayon factory. Hear from stars including Judd Apatow, Whoopi Goldberg, John Lithgow, Sarah Silverman, and Caroll Spinney as they share their favorite memories from *Mister Rogers' Neighborhood*. Nominated for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special at the **Primetime Emmy Awards**.

While this isn't necessarily a comedy, it's heartwarming enough to make anyone smile. Watch this while you wait for your hold on Tom Hanks's tribute to Mister Rogers, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.
- Jacy

Gloria Bell.

STREAMING VIDEO KANOPY
Romance, Comedy

Gloria (Julianne Moore) spends her nights joyfully letting loose at clubs around Los Angeles and finds herself thrust into an unexpected and complicated new romance. Official Selection at the **Toronto International Film Festival**. "*It's a remarkably enjoyable movie, downright cathartic in its presentation of a three-dimensional character.*" - Brian Tallerico, ***RogerEbert.com***

As an acclaimed Rom Com, this is a perfect option for a home movie night. Julianne Moore is another great actress who can fully embody the tricky nature of romance.
- Jacy

Son of Rambow.

STREAMING VIDEO KANOPY
Comedy

Imagination, fantasy, and the irreplaceable bonds of childhood friendship highlight this “comedy that’s full of heart” (Joe Neumaier, NY Daily News). Will Proudfoot (Bill Milner) is looking for an escape from his family’s stifling home life when he encounters Lee Carter (Will Poulter), the school bully. Armed with a video camera and a copy of Rambo: First Blood, Lee plans to make cinematic history by filming his own action-packed video epic. Together, these two newfound friends-turned-budding-filmmakers quickly discover that their imaginative – and sometimes mishap-filled – cinematic adventure has begun to take on a life of its own! Official Selection at the **Sundance Film Festival**, **Toronto International Film Festival**, and **BFI London Film Festival**. *"Pure movie magic, served up in a pint-sized portion from the most unlikely of sources." - Matthew Lucas, **From the Front Row***

Even the cover of this movie makes me smile (check it out in kanopy)! If you're a fan of heartwarming childhood friendships, you'll love this movie.
- Jacy