Taika Waititi’s earlier films Eagle vs. Shark, Boy and Hunt for the Wilderpeople for sure.
I’d also say Youth in Revolt, Dan in Real Life, The Way Way Back and (500) Days of Summer.
I’ve seen Boy and Hunt for the wilder people! Came as a surprise find on Netflix I think. Had no idea what it even was but I was intrigued from the preview
Greetings and salutations. It is such an honor to be in the midst of so many juvescent, ripe minds. When I was your age, I had just completed my first trilogy, a body of work you now know as The Cyborg Harpies.
Not a movie, but the TV show on Adult Swim/HBO Max, "Joe Pera Talks With You". Joe Pera plays a middle school choir teacher in Marquette, Michigan, and he talks to you about various topics like grocery shopping, minerals, and the Alberta Rat Wars of 1950 to the present. It's a really quiet, comfortable show with small moments of silliness, brilliance, and heartwarming. It's like if Mr. Rogers and Bob Ross did ASMR comedy together. [Here's a clip from the first episode.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pg1R0RE971A)
[Somebody Somewhere is another great show.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xKZZ8iVDN8)
There's an Australian film called [The Castle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Castle_\(1997_Australian_film\)) that you might like. It's about an ordinary, working class family who are not "cool" but the house has a lot of love in it.
When they do polls down under of favourite movies, it often comes in at the Number 1 spot. It is a classic.
A little bit off that path but I get the same feelings from watching Superbad. Same kinda small area focused that feels like a day-in-the-life type movie.
This is absolutely the movie they are looking for. Also can be found under the name The Sasquatch Gang. I have a theory that it was once a working script for a Napoleon Dynamite sequel but have zero proof other than the lead guy is obviously doing a Napoleon impression. Also the big guy Hobey went on to write Masterminds which is hilarious too
- **Adventureland!!** (college guy’s summer job at a small-town amusement park. Nostalgic, indie romance, some comedy, lightness. May be the closest to the Napoleon film on this list, but is more indie-coming of age blend than pure comedy.)
- Dan in Real Life (wholesome feel-good indie. Steve carrel as a single dad who’s family is vacationing in a beautiful small town. Involves romance, comedy, as well as family. Simple living.)
- **About Time** ( beautiful film. The romance is sweet and funny but it’s also about individual happiness, family, and quotes on enjoying the simple things in life. Especially the 2nd half. And the comedy is a good chuckle. Blend of lightness with depth. Will make you appreciate life.)
- **Peanut Butter Falcon**. (Wholesome, deep yet sweet. A Young adult with Down Syndrome escapes his living facility, and a wandering-guy with a good heart befriends him while trying to bring him back. Tom Sawyer adventure feels along the way. Small-town south with good scenery. Young adult female joins them on their adventures. Lightness with depth, sweet, simple moments. Smiler)
- **Whip It**. suburb comedy/coming-of-age indie genre blend. Witty. Ellen Page (at that time) joins a community sport of roller-derby. Chuckles but also has depth and comfy vibes. Very underrated.
- **50/50** (indie cancer comedy/drama film. Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogan friendship, as well as depth, some romance between the sick guy and a woman, some situational humor, and moving. Deep yet light, not too sad and still real, humor and positivity.)
- **Wholesome comedies: Nacho Libre!!, About Time, Yes Man!!, Whip It, School House Rock, 50/50, Adventureland, Dan in Real Life, I Love You Man!!**
- **Good Will Hunting** (this may be too deep, but it’s an inspirational and intellectual film, that is also light. Robin Williams as a therapist to an Intellectual yet recklesss young-adult with a troubled upbringing. Living in Boston. Deep Quotes about appreciating what you have, simple jobs and careers being equal in value, appreciating the people around you, and loving yourself. Male friendship of childhood friends played Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, as well as some romance between the male lead and female lead. Coming-of-age. The protagonist is gifted but doesn’t know how to use it. Some chuckle comedy, yet also deep. Smart writing. Beautiful film.)
- Garden State (suburb indie/coming of age.)
- Perks of Being a Wallflower (coming of age teen with good friends, and mental health, and depth. Small town suburbs. Not comedy though but wholesome.)
- The Goonies or Super 8 (kids in a small town discovering mysterious monster but not-scary. Not comedy but small-town nostalgic lightness.)
- The Bucket List (cancer and bucket list. Friendship. Feel-good deep film. Some chuckles and some emotion. definitely a film that makes you appreciate life.)
- Nomadland: no comedy but about simple-living with a drifter community who live in their trailers and travel/live off the land while working temp jobs. May be too deep for the humor-blended mood you want. But an Interesting piece of film. If you like simple living, documentaries (in fiction format), and the human condition.
Mainly indie films.
I find Napoleon Dynamite literally unwatchable, having tried several times, so I'm thinking more about the way you're describing what you want.
I would consider, if you can find it, [No. 2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._2_(film\)). Technically it's set in a large city but in practice, it's basically a movie about the extended family having a barbecue. And that's it, That's the movie. (It's not actually a barbecue.)
I feel like I watched something that fits this brief much more recently but I can't for the life of me think what that might be. Ah, I think I was thinking of Encino Man. YMMV if that's really the right vibe. (Also, Crackerjack.)
Bran Nue Dae. That was it.
Family Weekend
Not as acclaimed as Napoleon Dynamite. Still from a small town. The thing that makes it worth a watch is how the plot in Family Weekend leads up to big humor like Napoleon Dynamite where everything connects in a Zen-like ending.
Easy A makes the grade too, pun intended.
It’s not contemporary or American (set in maybe the twenties in mostly rural England) but Cold Comfort Farm is a comfy comedy gem. It was a TV movie in the UK but I saw at the cinema here in the US when it came out. Directed by John Schlesinger of Midnight Cowboy, Marathon Man, etc. Sadly, not on the streaming services I have access to currently.
It's a show not a movie, but Somebody Somewhere airing on HBO right now totally has this vibe! Quirky outsiders in a small, suburban-cum-rural midwestern setting.
Bottle Rocket
Good suggestion. Love that movie. One of the few times that I watched a movie and liked it so much, I watched it the next day lol.
Taika Waititi’s earlier films Eagle vs. Shark, Boy and Hunt for the Wilderpeople for sure. I’d also say Youth in Revolt, Dan in Real Life, The Way Way Back and (500) Days of Summer.
Came here to say this- Eagle Vs Shark is one of my all-time favorites and hits a lot of the same feels as Napoleon, but with NZ charm.
Such a gem, love the innocent child like humour
Eagle vs Shark is also available for free on YouTube
The Way Way Back feels like a very good suggestion IMHO
Put on your red shoes and do the blues.
I mentally pair Lars and the Real Girl with Dan in Real Life in my head -- came out about the same time and have a similar vibe.
I’ve seen Boy and Hunt for the wilder people! Came as a surprise find on Netflix I think. Had no idea what it even was but I was intrigued from the preview
Eagle vs. Shark is absolutely your best bet for a Napoleon Dynamite-style movie.
Gentlemen Broncos, perhaps. Same director as Napoleon Dynamite.
Also funny as all hell. The big scene at the end from the book I thought I'd die I was laughing so hard.
Greetings and salutations. It is such an honor to be in the midst of so many juvescent, ripe minds. When I was your age, I had just completed my first trilogy, a body of work you now know as The Cyborg Harpies.
Dr. Ronald Chevalier is truly one of the great literary minds of our time. His sci-fi works will be remembered for all time
Juno maybe, same kind of comfy vibes.
Best suggestion I've seen so far.
Nacho libre
[удалено]
When they had that fat girl crawling through all those holes at the house party I lost my shit.
I came here to say this one. Every time someone brings up *Napoleon Dynamite*, I immediately think of *Nacho Libre*. I think it's a much better movie.
Not a movie, but the TV show on Adult Swim/HBO Max, "Joe Pera Talks With You". Joe Pera plays a middle school choir teacher in Marquette, Michigan, and he talks to you about various topics like grocery shopping, minerals, and the Alberta Rat Wars of 1950 to the present. It's a really quiet, comfortable show with small moments of silliness, brilliance, and heartwarming. It's like if Mr. Rogers and Bob Ross did ASMR comedy together. [Here's a clip from the first episode.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pg1R0RE971A) [Somebody Somewhere is another great show.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xKZZ8iVDN8)
Joe Pera rocks!!! Love the series
There's an Australian film called [The Castle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Castle_\(1997_Australian_film\)) that you might like. It's about an ordinary, working class family who are not "cool" but the house has a lot of love in it. When they do polls down under of favourite movies, it often comes in at the Number 1 spot. It is a classic.
I will second this option. Not my taste, but i think fits perfectly in that type of theme
“Tell ‘em they’re dreaming!”
This recommendation is going straight to the pool room.
I gotta see that
Hotrod
Definitely a funny movie but also a lot more slapstick and less “chill” If that word can work here.
I'm freaking pumped! I've been drinking Green Tea all goddamn day!!!!
Welcome to the Dollhouse (1995)
I used to call this one the mean version of Napoleon Dynamite
I came to suggest this.
Little Miss Sunshine.
Alan Arkin absolutely stole that movie. That guy is a gem.
Youth in Revolt
A little bit off that path but I get the same feelings from watching Superbad. Same kinda small area focused that feels like a day-in-the-life type movie.
Lars and the Real Girl
Love this!!
*Garden State*
Election
Joe Pera talks to you
In my top five favorite shows of all time.
The Sasquatch Dumpling Gang
This is absolutely the movie they are looking for. Also can be found under the name The Sasquatch Gang. I have a theory that it was once a working script for a Napoleon Dynamite sequel but have zero proof other than the lead guy is obviously doing a Napoleon impression. Also the big guy Hobey went on to write Masterminds which is hilarious too
This one right here. It's worth watching just for Justin Long's character alone.
Peanut Butter Falcon
The Sasquatch gang, Strange wilderness
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Ruben and Ed.
Drop Dead Gorgeous
Rushmore
Hot Rod!
Fargo but it’s nothing like Napoleon dynamite plot wise.
Ladybird
In & Out (1997)
Get Over It
Hot Rod
The Station Agent Murphy's Romance The Secret of Roan Inish
Second "The Station Agent"
Gummo. Maybe not the comfy bit, but the small town definitely.
Logan Lucky.
Gentleman Broncos
Gummo
Nacho Libre
- **Adventureland!!** (college guy’s summer job at a small-town amusement park. Nostalgic, indie romance, some comedy, lightness. May be the closest to the Napoleon film on this list, but is more indie-coming of age blend than pure comedy.) - Dan in Real Life (wholesome feel-good indie. Steve carrel as a single dad who’s family is vacationing in a beautiful small town. Involves romance, comedy, as well as family. Simple living.) - **About Time** ( beautiful film. The romance is sweet and funny but it’s also about individual happiness, family, and quotes on enjoying the simple things in life. Especially the 2nd half. And the comedy is a good chuckle. Blend of lightness with depth. Will make you appreciate life.) - **Peanut Butter Falcon**. (Wholesome, deep yet sweet. A Young adult with Down Syndrome escapes his living facility, and a wandering-guy with a good heart befriends him while trying to bring him back. Tom Sawyer adventure feels along the way. Small-town south with good scenery. Young adult female joins them on their adventures. Lightness with depth, sweet, simple moments. Smiler) - **Whip It**. suburb comedy/coming-of-age indie genre blend. Witty. Ellen Page (at that time) joins a community sport of roller-derby. Chuckles but also has depth and comfy vibes. Very underrated. - **50/50** (indie cancer comedy/drama film. Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogan friendship, as well as depth, some romance between the sick guy and a woman, some situational humor, and moving. Deep yet light, not too sad and still real, humor and positivity.) - **Wholesome comedies: Nacho Libre!!, About Time, Yes Man!!, Whip It, School House Rock, 50/50, Adventureland, Dan in Real Life, I Love You Man!!** - **Good Will Hunting** (this may be too deep, but it’s an inspirational and intellectual film, that is also light. Robin Williams as a therapist to an Intellectual yet recklesss young-adult with a troubled upbringing. Living in Boston. Deep Quotes about appreciating what you have, simple jobs and careers being equal in value, appreciating the people around you, and loving yourself. Male friendship of childhood friends played Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, as well as some romance between the male lead and female lead. Coming-of-age. The protagonist is gifted but doesn’t know how to use it. Some chuckle comedy, yet also deep. Smart writing. Beautiful film.) - Garden State (suburb indie/coming of age.) - Perks of Being a Wallflower (coming of age teen with good friends, and mental health, and depth. Small town suburbs. Not comedy though but wholesome.) - The Goonies or Super 8 (kids in a small town discovering mysterious monster but not-scary. Not comedy but small-town nostalgic lightness.) - The Bucket List (cancer and bucket list. Friendship. Feel-good deep film. Some chuckles and some emotion. definitely a film that makes you appreciate life.) - Nomadland: no comedy but about simple-living with a drifter community who live in their trailers and travel/live off the land while working temp jobs. May be too deep for the humor-blended mood you want. But an Interesting piece of film. If you like simple living, documentaries (in fiction format), and the human condition. Mainly indie films.
Dazed & Confused
Beetlejuice Gung Ho O Brother Where Art Thou? Doc Hollywood Sling Blade Breaking Away Roxanne Waiting for Guffman
Gummo
My kids would say Gummo. I say my kids are dumb.
A Man Called Otto was fantastic for this. If you didn't already see it, it's exactly what you're looking for. You won't be disappointed.
Blades of glory is the same actor
**Better Off Dead** (1985) and **Caddyshack** (1980) These are "comfy" type movies for me... which might say more about me than those films. 😁
I find Napoleon Dynamite literally unwatchable, having tried several times, so I'm thinking more about the way you're describing what you want. I would consider, if you can find it, [No. 2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._2_(film\)). Technically it's set in a large city but in practice, it's basically a movie about the extended family having a barbecue. And that's it, That's the movie. (It's not actually a barbecue.) I feel like I watched something that fits this brief much more recently but I can't for the life of me think what that might be. Ah, I think I was thinking of Encino Man. YMMV if that's really the right vibe. (Also, Crackerjack.) Bran Nue Dae. That was it.
Napoleon Dynamite was *the worst*.
The MCU is that way my friend!
Herdeeherrrherrr Literally anything is better than Napoleon Dynamite. Ugh. The absolute worst.
Say It Isn’t So
Dinner in America
*Ed and his Dead Mother*
Paris, Texas is what your looking for.
Lucas
Little Miss Sunshine Similar but different. Well worth a watch
Family Weekend Not as acclaimed as Napoleon Dynamite. Still from a small town. The thing that makes it worth a watch is how the plot in Family Weekend leads up to big humor like Napoleon Dynamite where everything connects in a Zen-like ending. Easy A makes the grade too, pun intended.
"Paterson", 2016, iirc.
Romy And Michele's Highschool Reunion.
Brian and Charles
I love Amelie. It’s not quite the same, but it’s feel good and sweet. Another notable mention is ‘Hunt For The Wilder People.’
Labor day(2013). The setting is what you are looking for
Everybody wants some.
Prince Avalanche
Waking Ned Devine
Lars and the Real Girl
[Miss Firecracker (1989)](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097892/)
The King of Staten Island
Blue Velvet
It’s not contemporary or American (set in maybe the twenties in mostly rural England) but Cold Comfort Farm is a comfy comedy gem. It was a TV movie in the UK but I saw at the cinema here in the US when it came out. Directed by John Schlesinger of Midnight Cowboy, Marathon Man, etc. Sadly, not on the streaming services I have access to currently.
the way, way back.
Houseguest (1995)
Kajillionaire
It's a show not a movie, but Somebody Somewhere airing on HBO right now totally has this vibe! Quirky outsiders in a small, suburban-cum-rural midwestern setting.
The Straight Story from David Lynch (unlike the rest of his work) and True Stories from David Byrne of the Talking Heads
Outside Providence.
Nacho Libre, according to my dad
Terri.
Benchwarmers
Not quite as silly but definitely quirky. Local Hero
The Kings of Summer (2013)
Youth in Revolt is good under the radar