(Because winter is long, and laughter is still the best cultural investment.)
January has that peculiar talent for being both quiet and dramatic. The holidays are over, resolutions are already negotiating their exit clauses, and the evenings seem tailor-made for a good film, a warm blanket, and something that reminds us not to take life too seriously. Polish cinema, thankfully, has mastered the art of intelligent comedy—sharp, self-aware, and deliciously absurd. Here are three Polish comedies that are perfect for January viewing, whether you’re discovering them for the first time or returning like an old friend who knows all the jokes but laughs anyway.
Rejs (The Cruise)
Directed by Marek Piwowski
If Polish comedy had a constitution, Rejs would be in the preamble. This cult classic is less a film and more a sociological experiment disguised as a boat trip. A group of strangers boards a cruise on the Vistula River—and what unfolds is a masterclass in satire, bureaucracy, and the art of talking without saying anything at all.
It’s absurd, it’s painfully accurate, and somehow—despite being made in 1970—it feels alarmingly current. Watch it slowly. The jokes sneak up on you.
Best enjoyed: with someone who loves dry humor and ironic silence.
Dzień świra (Day of the Wacko)
Directed by Marek Koterski
This is comedy for people who laugh… and then immediately feel called out. Adam Miauczyński is the patron saint of overthinking, irritation, and existential commentary on modern life. Dzień świra is sharp, neurotic, painfully funny—and strangely comforting.
It’s the kind of film that makes you laugh because you recognize yourself. Or your neighbor. Or that one person who sends emails in ALL CAPS.
Best enjoyed: when January blues start whispering too loudly.
Vabank
Directed by Juliusz Machulski
Stylish, clever, and endlessly entertaining, Vabank is a perfectly constructed comedy-heist set in pre-war Warsaw. Wit meets elegance, revenge meets charm, and every line lands exactly where it should.
It’s one of those films that proves Polish comedy can be smart and wildly enjoyable without raising its voice. Think chess, not checker—but with better suits.
Best enjoyed: with popcorn and an appreciation for impeccable timing.
Why These Films, Why Now?
January is not about grand gestures—it’s about quality time with good stories. These three films offer humor with depth, laughter with memory, and a reminder of why Polish cinema holds such a special place in our hearts at EKRAN.
If you’re staying in, start here. If you’re planning your 2026 cultural calendar—consider this your warm-up.
After all, winter passes faster when you laugh through it.
