A beloved comedy film has made its debut on Netflix today (Thursday, 11th December), swiftly ascending the streaming platform's top 10 chart. To sweeten the deal, the eagerly awaited sequel is also now available, making for an ideal weekend laughter marathon.

The popular film, originally launched in 2004, boasts a star-studded ensemble of renowned comedic actors, including Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd and Steve Carrell. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy was added to the streaming service from yesterday (Wednesday, 10th December) and has already clinched the fourth spot on Netflix's top 10 films, even outperforming Christmas favourites such as Nativity! and The Holiday.

Comedy icon Ferrell takes centre stage as the quirky yet successful news anchor Ron Burgundy, whose life and career spiral into chaos when his San Diego station KVWN Channel 4 hires their first female news reporter, Veronica Corningstone (portrayed by Christina Applegate), in 1975.

Despite garnering mixed reviews upon its release, with a current Rotten Tomatoes score of 66 percent, Anchorman has cemented its status as one of the most cherished comedy classics over the past two decades since its premiere, reports the Mirror.

Its follow-up, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, surprisingly received even more favourable reviews, earning a 74 percent rating, and has also joined the Netflix roster this week.

One perfect 10/10 IMDb review for the original film declared: "Anchorman is one of the best comedies ever made imo, everyone is so good in it, especially Christina Applegate who is hilarious.

"I saw it in the cinema on release, and it has remained one of my favourite movies ever since."

Another viewer branded it "One of the most quotable movies ever". They continued: "Everything that comes out of Will Ferrell's mouth in this movie is funny. I've watched the movie many many times and it never gets old."

A different fan hailed it "a modern comic masterpiece", adding: "This movie ranks up there with Dumb and Dumber as a comedy that after its release, as time passes by, it cannot stop making people laugh.

"As the years roll by (a couple already have), we will be talking about this movie. Something just worked in this movie. The writing. The acting. It just all plays out so well. There are so many quotable lines in this film."

The acclaim extended to Letterboxd, where one reviewer gushed: "Absolutely one of my favorite comedies. All of the actors are funny and stand out in their own ways, this movie contains some of my favorite roles for Will Ferrell, Steve Carell and Paul Rudd especially.

"The jokes are hilarious and insanely quotable. I just have a blast with this every time."

A final devotee concluded: "Comedy is so personal, but nothing since [Monty Python's] The Holy Grail and The Life of Brian has made me laugh quite so hard as this.

"Uproariously random at times, thanks to some pitch perfect animations and musical numbers, and stuffed full of the best lines written in the last forty years, it's a stone-cold comedy classic."

While they may not be traditional festive favourites, an Anchorman double feature is sure to spread cheer this season.

Anchorman and Anchorman 2 are available to stream on Netflix.