Action comedy movies like archer you need to see
If you love Archer's unique blend of sharp wit, over-the-top action, and hilarious situations, you're in luck. The world of live-action cinema is packed with films that capture that same chaotic energy. Get ready for spies who are less James Bond and more... well, themselves, often with disastrously funny results.



The spy genre got a serious shake-up in the last decade, moving far beyond the slick suits and serious stakes of classic espionage. Think less world-saving gravitas and more chaotic shootouts, unexpected alliances, and punchlines landing as fast as the kicks. Films in this modern wave often embrace the absurdity of the spy world, poking fun at tropes while still delivering genuinely thrilling action sequences.
Many of these movies lean into a harder edge, sometimes R-rated, allowing for more adult humor and brutal, yet often stylized, violence. Directors like Guy Ritchie have put their signature stamp on the genre, blending intricate plots with sharp dialogue and memorable characters. Others find comedy in mismatched partners forced into impossible situations, or in super-spies completely out of their depth in everyday life. It's a genre that doesn't take itself too seriously, prioritizing entertainment and laughs alongside the explosions and intrigue. These films prove that saving the world doesn't always have to be grim; sometimes, it's downright hysterical.
12. Atomic Blonde (2017)
Atomic Blonde is a highly stylized action-thriller set in Berlin just before the fall of the Wall. Charlize Theron is incredible as a top-level MI6 spy sent to retrieve a list of double agents. While it features espionage and incredible action sequences (often filmed in long, complex takes), it leans much more into the gritty, intense thriller aspect than comedy or satire. It's a visually striking film with a killer soundtrack and brutal fight choreography, but it lacks the comedic tone that defines Archer.

11. Spies in Disguise (2019)
Spies in Disguise is an animated spy comedy featuring the voices of Will Smith as a super-cool spy and Tom Holland as a brilliant but awkward scientist. The premise involves the spy being accidentally turned into a pigeon, forcing the unlikely duo to work together to save the world. It's a visually creative and humorous take on the spy genre, aimed at a younger audience but with plenty of jokes and action for adults too. It embraces the silliness of its premise and delivers a fun, lighthearted espionage adventure.

10. My Spy (2020)
My Spy is a more family-friendly take on the spy-comedy genre. Dave Bautista plays a tough CIA operative who is tasked with watching a family and finds himself at the mercy of a precocious nine-year-old girl who discovers his secret. The humor comes from the contrast between the hardened spy and the sharp-witted child. It's a sweet and funny film with a good balance of action and comedy, suitable for a wider audience than the more adult-oriented humor of Archer.

9. The King's Man (2021)
A prequel to the original, The King's Man delves into the origins of the independent intelligence agency during World War I. It maintains the stylish action and period setting that the Kingsman franchise is known for, though it adopts a slightly more serious tone at times compared to the first film's pure spy-comedy approach. Ralph Fiennes leads the cast as the Duke of Oxford, establishing the principles of the organization. It expands the universe and provides context for the agency's beginnings, offering more of that unique blend of history, action, and espionage.

8. Free Guy (2021)
Free Guy is a unique action-comedy that takes place mostly within a video game world. Ryan Reynolds plays a non-player character (NPC) who becomes self-aware and decides to become the hero of his own story. While it doesn't involve spies, it shares Archer's blend of action, comedy, and a protagonist who is often hilariously out of his depth but manages to succeed. The film is creative, funny, and features impressive visual effects depicting the game world. It's a feel-good action movie with plenty of humor and heart.

7. The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017)
The Hitman's Bodyguard pairs Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson as a protection agent and a notorious hitman who must work together to get the hitman to testify. While not focused on espionage, it's a high-octane action-comedy built entirely on the chemistry and constant bickering between its two charismatic leads. Their dynamic is the core of the film, delivering non-stop insults and one-liners amidst chaotic action sequences. It's a straightforward, fun buddy action flick that delivers on laughs and explosions, making it a solid choice if you enjoy Archer's focus on character interactions amidst danger.

6. The Gentlemen (2020)
Another entry from Guy Ritchie, The Gentlemen isn't a spy film, but it shares that Archer-esque love for intricate plotting, rapid-fire witty dialogue, and a cast of eccentric, well-dressed characters involved in illicit activities. It follows an American expatriate trying to sell off his highly profitable marijuana empire in London, leading to blackmail, schemes, and general chaos. The script is incredibly sharp, and the performances from actors like Matthew McConaughey, Colin Farrell (in a particularly scene-stealing role), and Hugh Grant are superb. If you appreciate Archer's clever writing and character interactions, you'll likely enjoy The Gentlemen's criminal underworld antics.

5. The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)
The Spy Who Dumped Me throws two best friends, played by Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon, into a dangerous international spy conspiracy after one of them is dumped by a CIA agent. The film leans heavily on the comedic dynamic between the two leads as they bumble their way through shootouts and chases across Europe. Kate McKinnon provides plenty of laugh-out-loud moments with her signature comedic style. It's an action-comedy that finds humor in ordinary people facing extraordinary spy situations, offering a fun, female-led take on the genre.

4. Deadpool (2016)
While not strictly a spy movie, Deadpool shares Archer's love for breaking the fourth wall, dark humor, and relentless sarcasm. Ryan Reynolds is pitch-perfect as the titular anti-hero, a mercenary with a regenerative healing factor and a mouth that never stops. The film is a chaotic, R-rated action-comedy that constantly subverts expectations and pokes fun at superhero tropes. It's incredibly self-aware and packed with references, much like Archer's dense pop culture allusions. If you enjoy the irreverent, adult humor and creative action of Archer, Deadpool will definitely scratch that itch.

3. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)
Stepping into the cool, stylish world of the 1960s, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is a sleek, fun spy caper directed by Guy Ritchie. While perhaps not as overtly satirical as Archer, it absolutely nails the witty banter and dynamic between its leads. Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer have incredible chemistry as the American and Soviet agents forced to team up, constantly trading barbs and competing with each other. The period detail is stunning, and the action is slick and well-executed. It's a sophisticated take on the spy genre that feels fresh and effortlessly cool, making it a great pick for fans of sharp dialogue and international intrigue.

2. Spy (2015)
Spy is a fantastic entry into the spy-comedy genre, leaning heavily into the comedic aspect with Melissa McCarthy delivering one of her best performances. She plays a desk-bound CIA analyst who suddenly finds herself thrust into the field. The film cleverly plays with spy clichés, offering a genuinely funny take on espionage with a great ensemble cast. Jason Statham is particularly hilarious, completely deadpanning his ridiculous tales of 'field' exploits, and Rose Byrne is perfect as the icy villain. Director Paul Feig balances the humor and action effectively, making for a thoroughly entertaining ride that doesn't take itself too seriously, much like Archer.

1. Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015)
If you're looking for something that captures that 'Archer' vibe of stylish action mixed with sharp, witty dialogue and a healthy dose of satire, Kingsman: The Secret Service is an absolute must-watch. It takes the classic British spy genre and injects it with a modern, often hilariously over-the-top energy. Colin Firth is brilliantly cast against type as the impeccably dressed, lethal agent Harry Hart, mentoring Taron Egerton's street-smart recruit Eggsy. The action sequences are incredibly choreographed and inventive, particularly the infamous church scene, which is a masterclass in stylized violence. Director Matthew Vaughn brings a real sense of fun and irreverence to the proceedings, poking affectionate fun at Bond tropes while creating its own unique, dapper world. It's a blast from start to finish!
