19 Must-Watch Comedy Movies Similar to Arrested Development

The Tracey Ullman Show takes us back to the mid-90s with its variety show format and comedic sketches. Just like Arrested Development, this show also revolves around a dysfunctional family, but with a twist. Tracey Ullman, a talented and versatile actress, brings to life a range of characters, from a teenager to an old woman, without ever being vulgar or cruel. In fact, her comedy is charming and delightful. One highlight of the show is when Ullman, along with the talented Dan Castellaneta, portrays a yuppie married couple who discover that their young son is normal and not a genius at school. The Tracey Ullman Show even introduced the world to The Simpsons, a beloved animated series that has become a cultural phenomenon.

The Simpsons. The satiric adventures of a working-class family in the misfit city of Springfield. Released in 1999, The Simpsons is a classic animated comedy that has become the longest running show on TV. While it may have lost some of its former greatness over the years, The Simpsons remains a cultural phenomenon that has shaped the sense of humor of an entire generation. With its lightening-quick wit, insightful social commentary, and brilliantly integrated parody, The Simpsons created its own universe filled with original characters. However, unlike Arrested Development, which ended too soon after three seasons, The Simpsons has clunked along for years, weighed down by unnecessary storylines and a loss of creative juice. The show's characters have become one-note cartoons, and the classic Baby Boomer voice has been replaced with jokes aimed at the contemporary generation. While The Simpsons may no longer be at its prime, it is still worth watching for its historical significance and the occasional funny one-liner.

Get Real is a series that aired in 1999, and it's reminiscent of Arrested Development. Both shows revolve around dysfunctional families, but while Arrested Development focuses on the Bluth family, Get Real follows the Green family. In Arrested Development, Michael Bluth takes over the family business after his father goes to prison, and the rest of the family makes his life unbearable. Similarly, in Get Real, the parents face a midlife crisis, and the kids navigate their teenage years. Both shows excel in portraying the chaos and humor that arise from dysfunctional families. However, Get Real differs from Arrested Development in terms of genre and runtime. Get Real is a comedy-drama-romance series, touching on various aspects of life, while Arrested Development is purely a comedy. Additionally, Get Real has a longer runtime of 3600 seconds, allowing for deeper character development and more intricate storylines.

Six Feet Under is reminiscent of Arrested Development, as both shows delve into the lives of dysfunctional families. While Arrested Development focuses on the Bluth family and their hilarious antics, Six Feet Under takes a deeper, more dramatic approach by centering around the Fisher family who run an independent funeral home. Despite their differences in genre, both shows skillfully explore the complexities of family dynamics. Arrested Development is known for its witty humor and absurd situations, while Six Feet Under captivates viewers with its meticulous storytelling and powerful performances. Although Arrested Development is a comedy and Six Feet Under is a drama, their common ground lies in their ability to connect with the audience on a profound level. So if you've already enjoyed Arrested Development and are looking for a show that delves into the depths of human emotions while still maintaining a touch of dark humor, Six Feet Under should be next on your watchlist.

Grounded for Life is reminiscent of Arrested Development in its portrayal of a dysfunctional family and the comedic chaos that ensues. Both shows delve into the lives of unconventional families, but with their own unique twists. While Arrested Development focuses on the Bluth family and their absurd antics, Grounded for Life follows the Finnerty family, an Irish Catholic couple navigating the challenges of raising three children, all while dealing with Sean's judgmental father and carefree brother. Grounded for Life brings a dark, black comedy element to the table, providing viewers with witty humor and a laugh track that adds to the overall charm of the show. The timeframe of the 1980s also adds a nostalgic touch to the series. If you enjoyed Arrested Development's offbeat humor and dysfunctional family dynamics, Grounded for Life is definitely worth a watch.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force takes us on a wild and absurd journey through the misadventures of a milkshake, an order of fries, a meatball, and their retired next door neighbor in the suburbs of New Jersey. Just like Arrested Development, this show revolves around a dysfunctional family dynamic, but with a twist. While the Bluth family in Arrested Development may be dysfunctional in a more relatable and grounded way, Aqua Teen Hunger Force takes dysfunction to a whole new level of zaniness. The characters here are anthropomorphic food items with supernatural powers, and their interactions are absolutely off-the-wall. Shake, the loose cannon, is a scheming, lying motor mouth that you just can't get enough of. Meatwad is a simple being, and Frylock is the voice of reason, armed with eye lasers for sticky situations. And let's not forget about their hairy loser neighbor Carl, who is just as ridiculous as the meal he lives next door to.

Swiat wedlug Kiepskich (The World According to the Kiepskis) is a Polish TV show that shares similarities with Arrested Development. Both shows fall under the comedy genre and revolve around dysfunctional families. While Arrested Development focuses on the Bluth family and their hilarious antics, Swiat wedlug Kiepskich centers on a stereotypical Polish family and their neighbors living in a tenement house in Wroclaw. The humor in both shows stems from the characters' stupidity and the absurd situations they find themselves in. However, while Arrested Development is known for its clever writing and witty jokes, Swiat wedlug Kiepskich relies more on simple and primitive humor. Despite its shortcomings, Swiat wedlug Kiepskich offers a glimpse into Polish family dynamics and provides a light-hearted and entertaining watch for those seeking a sitcom with a social satire twist.

Salad Daze is reminiscent of Arrested Development as both movies revolve around dysfunctional families. In Arrested Development, level-headed son Michael Bluth takes over family affairs after his father is imprisoned, while in Salad Daze, recent high school graduate Alex Kaufman witnesses the breakdown of his dysfunctional family after his grandfather dies. Both movies explore the challenges and comedic moments that arise from these dysfunctional family dynamics. However, Salad Daze takes a more light-hearted approach, infusing humor into the characters' interactions and embracing suburban young adult angst. While Arrested Development is a beloved sitcom with a tight storyline, Salad Daze showcases the potential of amateur film-making, using limited means to tell a relatable coming-of-age story. If you enjoyed Arrested Development, Salad Daze offers a fresh take on dysfunctional families with its natural humor and exploration of suburban young adult life.

"Makinavaja" is reminiscent of "Arrested Development" in its portrayal of a dysfunctional family. While "Arrested Development" focuses on the Bluth family and their absurd antics, "Makinavaja" centers around El Maki, the last chorizo from El Chino, and his daily life. Both shows use comedy to highlight the absurdities of their respective worlds. However, "Arrested Development" delves into themes of amateur magic, failed acting careers, and a man wearing eyeglasses, while "Makinavaja" explores low life, racism, and prostitution. Despite their differences, both shows provide an entertaining and humorous look into unconventional family dynamics. If you've enjoyed the clever humor and eccentric characters of "Arrested Development," you'll find "Makinavaja" to be a delightful Spanish comedy series worth watching.

Drake & Josh is reminiscent of Arrested Development because both shows center around dysfunctional families. While Arrested Development focuses on the Bluth family and their hilarious antics, Drake & Josh follows the lives of two stepbrothers, one of whom is an awkward geek and the other a popular musician. Both shows use comedy to explore the complexities of family dynamics, showcasing the challenges and absurdity that arise within these unconventional households. However, despite their similarities, the two shows have distinct differences. Arrested Development is known for its clever writing, intricate plotlines, and brilliant ensemble cast, while Drake & Josh relies more on slapstick comedy and laugh tracks. Additionally, Arrested Development has received numerous award nominations and critical acclaim, while Drake & Josh has a more lighthearted and easygoing appeal. If you enjoyed the dysfunctional family dynamics of Arrested Development, you should definitely give Drake & Josh a watch for its charming characters, comedic moments, and heartwarming storylines.

Shameless, released in 2004, is reminiscent of Arrested Development. Both shows revolve around dysfunctional families, but Shameless takes it to a whole new level, set in a rough Manchester estate. While Arrested Development focuses on the level-headed son Michael Bluth trying to manage his spoiled family, Shameless follows the lives and relationships of a group of siblings and their estranged father Frank Gallagher. The British humor adds a unique flavor to Shameless, and the ensemble cast brings the characters to life. Although both shows explore dysfunctional families, Shameless delves into the grittier side of life, with a touch of fantastical elements. The characters in Shameless are not only likable but also leave you feeling a rollercoaster of emotions. If you enjoyed Arrested Development, Shameless offers a different perspective on family dynamics and will keep you entertained with its constant twists and turns.

The Big House is reminiscent of Arrested Development in its portrayal of a dysfunctional family, but with a twist. While Arrested Development centers around a level-headed son trying to manage his chaotic family, The Big House follows a spoiled rich kid who is forced to live with his working-class aunt, uncle, and their family. Both shows delve into the absurdity of family dynamics, but The Big House adds a laugh track to enhance the sitcom comedy experience. Arrested Development, on the other hand, relies on witty banter and clever writing to generate laughs. The Big House introduces college life as a key topic, giving it a fresh and relatable angle for younger audiences. So, if you enjoyed the dysfunctional Bluth family in Arrested Development and want to see a similar comedic premise with a college twist, The Big House is the perfect choice for your next binge-watch session.

The Winner, released in 2007, is reminiscent of Arrested Development. Both shows belong to the comedy genre and revolve around dysfunctional families. However, while Arrested Development focuses on a level-headed son taking over family affairs, The Winner takes a different approach. It tells the story of a successful guy who looks back on his time living with his parents in his thirties. The Winner's protagonist, Glen Abbott, forms an unlikely friendship with his twelve-year-old neighbor, Josh, who resembles Glen during his childhood. They help each other navigate through life, with Josh using Glen's childhood knowledge to score girls his age, and Glen using Josh's knowledge to pursue a relationship with Josh's mother. The Winner may not be as critically acclaimed as Arrested Development, but it offers an enjoyable and light-hearted take on awkward situations and embarrassing moments. So if you're a fan of dysfunctional family comedies and are looking for a fun and nostalgic series, The Winner is worth a watch.

Drifters is reminiscent of Arrested Development because both movies revolve around dysfunctional families. In Arrested Development, level-headed son Michael Bluth takes charge of the family business after his father is imprisoned, but his spoiled and dysfunctional family members make his job unbearable. Similarly, in Drifters, the main character, Mete, must fight against his inappropriate attraction to his 17-year-old half-sister, which creates tension within their dysfunctional family in Rome. While Arrested Development is a comedy series set in the US, Drifters is an Italian taboo drama film that combines comedy, drama, and romance. Despite the differences in genre and plot specifics, both movies explore the complexities of family relationships in a humorous and entertaining way. So, if you enjoyed the dysfunctional family dynamics in Arrested Development, you should give Drifters a watch for a unique and thought-provoking take on family dynamics.

Just 45 Minutes from Broadway is a comedy-drama film that takes place in a country home in Westchester County, New York, with a group of theater actors called the Isaacs. The movie revolves around the neurotic daughter Pandora, who arrives after a painful breakup. She adores her eccentric family and their emotionally-liberated lifestyle, but struggles with her icy, controlled sister Betsy. When Betsy and her fiancee Jimmy visit, Jimmy and Pandora find themselves drawn to each other, much to Betsy's horror. The film, like Arrested Development, delves into the dynamics of a dysfunctional family, but with a theatrical twist. While Arrested Development focuses on the Bluth family and their hilarious antics, Just 45 Minutes from Broadway explores the complexities of a family of theater actors. Both provide a comedic lens to dysfunctional relationships, but with different settings and tones.

Thavasi, a movie released in 2001, is reminiscent of Arrested Development. While the two belong to different genres, Thavasi manages to capture the essence of familial dysfunction just like Arrested Development. In Thavasi, a noble and just man finds himself making the ultimate sacrifice after imposing an unjust sentence on a male from a poor family. Similarly, Arrested Development revolves around level-headed son Michael Bluth taking over family affairs after his father is imprisoned, and his job becomes unbearable due to his spoiled and dysfunctional family. Both stories depict the struggles of individuals trying to navigate through the complexities of their dysfunctional families. Despite their differences in genre and cultural context, Thavasi shares the same theme of sacrifice and dysfunctional family dynamics as Arrested Development. So, if you enjoyed the comedic brilliance and intricate family dynamics of Arrested Development, Thavasi is definitely worth a watch.

Muriel's Wedding, released in 1995, is a comedy-drama set in Australia. Like Arrested Development, it revolves around a dysfunctional family and a female protagonist who is desperate for a change in her life. While Arrested Development focuses on a son taking over family affairs after his father's imprisonment, Muriel's Wedding follows a young social outcast who steals money from her parents to finance a vacation in search of happiness and love. Both films bring to light the absurdity and flaws within their respective family dynamics. However, Muriel's Wedding stands out with its unique characters, particularly Toni Collette's performance as the protagonist, which blurs the line between likability and disdain. The film's ability to balance the sadness of the story with laugh-out-loud moments sets it apart. With its indie charm and inspiration to future filmmakers, Muriel's Wedding is a delightful watch for fans of Arrested Development looking for a refreshing take on dysfunctional family dynamics.

Home for the Holidays is reminiscent of Arrested Development in its portrayal of a dysfunctional family. While Arrested Development focuses on the Bluth family, Home for the Holidays follows Claudia Larson and her experience spending Thanksgiving with her own quirky family. Both movies capture the chaos and absurdity that can ensue when family members come together. However, Home for the Holidays takes a more heartfelt and emotional approach, delving into the complexities of familial relationships. With a stellar cast including Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr., and Anne Bancroft, Home for the Holidays offers a delightful mix of comedy, drama, and romance. So, if you enjoyed the dysfunctional dynamics of Arrested Development and want a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics, Home for the Holidays is a must-watch.

Stuart Saves His Family is a movie that reminds me of Arrested Development. While Arrested Development is a hilarious series about a dysfunctional family, Stuart Saves His Family takes a similar approach in a cinematic format. Both movies delve into the challenges faced by dysfunctional families, but Stuart Saves His Family adds a unique twist by focusing on a self-help advocate trying to put his own family on the right track. What sets Stuart Saves His Family apart is its ability to blend comedy and drama, tackling real issues with imperfect solutions. The movie's offbeat approach may leave you feeling contemplative and even a little sad, but the great acting performances, particularly by Al Franken, Laura San Giacomo, and Vincent D'Onofrio, make it a worthwhile watch. So, if you're a fan of Arrested Development and want to explore a movie that combines comedy and drama in a unique way, give Stuart Saves His Family a try.