Amanda Bynes was a comedic force to be reckoned with in the late 90s and early 2000s. From her breakout role on Nickelodeon’s All That to hilarious movie turns, she had us laughing out loud. Whether you’re looking for a teen comedy classic or a coming-of-age story with a twist, this list has something for every Amanda Bynes fan.
5. What a Girl Wants (2003)
© 2003 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
- Summary: Daphne (Bynes), raised in an orphanage in London, discovers she’s the long-lost daughter of a wealthy American socialite (Colin Firth). She travels to New York to meet her father and navigate the world of privilege, all while searching for love and acceptance.
- Reason to Watch: This heartwarming comedy is a delightful escape filled with fish-out-of-water humor. Bynes shines as the quirky and determined Daphne, and the supporting cast adds a touch of sophistication.
- Pros: Uplifting story, charming performances, explores themes of family and self-discovery.
- Cons: Predictable plot, some stereotypical characters.
- Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
4. Big Fat Liar (2002)
© 2002 Universal Studios.
- Summary: Jason (Frankie Muniz) is a nerdy kid constantly tormented by the arrogant jock, Ricky (Paul Giamatti). When Ricky steals Jason’s school assignment and passes it off as his own, a hilarious battle of wits ensues.
- Reason to Watch: This chaotic comedy is pure slapstick fun. Bynes provides scene-stealing support as Jason’s sarcastic best friend, Holly.
- Pros: Non-stop laughs, perfect for fans of physical comedy, great chemistry between Muniz and Bynes.
- Cons: Simple plot, some gags might feel dated.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
3. The Amanda Show (1999-2002)
© 1999-2002 Nickelodeon.
- Summary: A Nickelodeon sketch comedy show featuring Bynes alongside a talented cast. The show parodied popular culture and offered outrageous characters like Judge Trudy and Debbie Do-It-All.
- Reason to Watch: This show launched Bynes’ career and is a comedy goldmine for anyone who grew up watching it. It’s a hilarious snapshot of late-90s pop culture.
- Pros: Sketch comedy format keeps things fresh, iconic characters, perfect for a nostalgic rewatch.
- Cons: Sketches can be hit-or-miss, some humor might not translate well for all audiences.
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
2. She’s the Man (2006)
© 2006 DreamWorks LLC and Lakeshore Entertainment Group LLC.
- Summary: Viola (Bynes) disguises herself as her twin brother, Sebastian, to take his place at a prestigious boarding school after he gets kicked out. Hilarity and romance ensue as she navigates the challenges of fitting in and falling for her soccer teammate (Channing Tatum).
- Reason to Watch: This hilarious take on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night is a modern classic. Bynes is perfectly cast as the witty and resourceful Viola.
- Pros: Hilarious premise, great supporting cast, clever gender-bending twist on a classic story.
- Cons: Predictable ending, slightly predictable plot at times.
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
1. Easy A (2010)
© 2010 Screen Gems, Inc.
- Summary: Olive (Emma Stone) lies about losing her virginity to boost her social standing. When the rumor spreads, Olive decides to embrace the lie and uses it to her advantage, sparking a witty social commentary on high school hypocrisy. Bynes plays Olive’s sardonic best friend, Marianne.
- Reason to Watch: A sharp and witty teen comedy with a surprising amount of heart. Bynes delivers a fantastic supporting performance, adding a cynical edge to the story.
- Pros: Intelligent script, strong performances, funnily tackles relevant themes.
- Cons: A little raunchy at times, might not be suitable for younger audiences.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Bonus Picks:
- All That (1996-2002): This sketch comedy show launched Bynes’ career and features hilarious early performances.
- Hairspray (2007): While Bynes has a smaller role in this musical comedy, the film itself is a joyous celebration of diversity and self-expression.
- What I Like About You (2002-2006): This sitcom follows the comedic misadventures of two polar opposite sisters, played by Bynes and Jennie Garth. It’s a fun and heartwarming show with plenty of laughs.
Amanda Bynes’ comedic talent left a lasting impression on audiences. While she stepped away from acting, her work continues to entertain and inspire new generations. This list is just a starting point – so grab some popcorn, settle in, and discover (or rediscover) the hilarious world of Amanda Bynes!