Best Fantasy Books with Humor and Comedy

Fantasy often conjures images of dark quests, ancient prophecies, and worlds hanging in the balance. But some of the most unforgettable fantasy books are those that dare to bring in humor. Witty dialogue, absurd situations, and charmingly flawed characters can elevate a fantasy novel into something truly memorable. If you're looking for fantasy books with humor or a funny fantasy series to brighten your bookshelf, this list is exactly what you need.

Here are eight outstanding fantasy books and series that blend magic with laughter, without sacrificing plot, world-building, or emotional depth.

1. Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett

Robert Jackson Bennett’s Foundryside is a masterclass in balancing gritty magic with dry, dark humor. Set in a world where magical coding (called “scriving”) can rewrite the laws of reality, the book follows Sancia Grado, a cynical thief with a mind-reading ability and a mysterious past.

What makes Foundryside stand out among funny fantasy books is its sharp banter and the unexpectedly charming character of Clef, a talking key with the personality of a golden retriever and the secrets of a weapon of mass destruction. The humorous exchanges between Sancia and Clef ground the high-stakes plot with levity and humanity.

If you're after fantasy books with humor that still hit hard emotionally, Foundryside is a perfect start.

2. The Gentleman Bastard Series by Scott Lynch

The Lies of Locke Lamora and its sequels follow Locke, a con artist in a Venetian-style city filled with crime lords, secret guilds, and unexpected magic. Scott Lynch writes some of the best dialogue in modern fantasy. Every page drips with sarcastic wit, clever insults, and brilliant cons.

Locke and his partner Jean Tannen are the heart of this funny fantasy series. Their bond, fueled by barbed exchanges and ridiculous schemes, is one of the reasons the books remain fan favorites. Even during dire moments, humor provides a much-needed release valve.

Looking for a fantasy book series with humor that also delivers heists, betrayals, and emotional gut punches? You’ve found it.

3. Discworld by Terry Pratchett

You can’t talk about fantasy books with humor without mentioning Discworld. This sprawling series spans over 40 novels, but you can start almost anywhere. Pratchett’s world is a flat disc balanced on the backs of four elephants standing on a giant turtle swimming through space. And it only gets weirder and funnier from there.

Whether you follow the clueless wizard Rincewind, the cynical witch Granny Weatherwax, or the bureaucratically overworked Grim Reaper, Discworld delivers biting satire, absurd logic, and plenty of heart. It’s the gold standard of funny fantasy series and perfect for readers who love wordplay and wit.

4. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Yes, it leans more toward science fiction, but The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy earns a place in any list of funny fantasy series for its sheer absurdity and comedic brilliance. Arthur Dent’s journey through the cosmos, guided by a towel-carrying alien and an encyclopedic Guide, is legendary.

Adams plays with language, narrative conventions, and logic in ways few authors dare. If you want a laugh-out-loud fantasy book with humor that questions the universe (and gives no satisfying answers), start here.

5. Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames

Imagine a rock band reunion tour, but it’s a mercenary crew. That’s the premise of Kings of the Wyld, a funny fantasy book that mixes bloody action with ridiculous charm. The crew of aging warriors must regroup to save a daughter trapped in a city under siege, fighting monsters, ancient curses, and their own midlife crises.

Eames balances heartfelt moments with pitch-perfect comedic timing. It’s one of the best recent fantasy books with humor, ideal for fans of both epic adventures and dad jokes.

6. The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman

This underrated gem delivers gallows humor, unreliable narration, and poetic profanity in a world that’s part grimdark, part fairy tale. The protagonist, Kinch Na Shannack, is a thief who owes money to a criminal guild and stumbles into a mission involving warrior women, undead giants, and sarcastic cats.

Buehlman’s prose is witty and lyrical, often laugh-out-loud funny. If you're looking for fantasy books with humor that feels fresh, sharp, and weird in all the right ways, this is a must-read.

7. Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

An angel and a demon team up to stop the apocalypse because they’ve grown rather fond of Earth. That’s the delightfully odd premise of Good Omens. Co-written by two masters of the genre, the book mixes British comedy, theological satire, and genuine tenderness.

From the Four Bikers of the Apocalypse to a misplaced Antichrist, Good Omens is full of absurd characters and wild situations. If you're craving a fantasy book with humor that’s as clever as it is chaotic, this one delivers.

8. The Tales of Pell by Kevin Hearne and Delilah S. Dawson

This parody series pokes fun at every epic fantasy trope imaginable. Talking animals, prophesied heroes, evil overlords, they’re all here, lovingly mocked and hilariously twisted. Start with Kill the Farm Boy, which flips the chosen-one narrative on its head.

The jokes come fast and furious, but there’s still a real story underneath. The Tales of Pell books are perfect for fans who love fantasy but can also laugh at its clichés.

From sarcastic thieves to clueless wizards, these fantasy books with humor offer more than just laughs. They explore serious themes, deliver clever plots, and build immersive worlds, while still making you snort with laughter. Whether you prefer satire, slapstick, or dry wit, there’s a funny fantasy series here for you.

Reading fantasy doesn’t always have to feel like carrying the One Ring to Mordor. Sometimes, it can feel like riding a talking horse into battle while arguing about soup.