We are all guilty of giggling in a super serious situation or bursting out laughing as someone does or says something they are not supposed to. Dark humor can be found in almost any situation: when pointed out, it's often used to either provoke an audience for a reaction or point out how ridiculous a set of norms are.
Between intricate and layered jokes or in-the-face physical comedy, getting people to laugh at their movies and stories is the ultimate goal for filmmakers with a penchant for making the best dark comedies. While these best dark humor movies aren't for everyone, they have dedicated followings and a lot going for them.
30 'Thanks for Sharing' (2012)
Directed by Stuart Blumberg
Directed by Stuart Blumberg, Thanks For Sharing is an obvious dark comedy because it boldly tackled a hush-hush topic that people didn’t want to discuss openly in 2012, at least. While people have come forward and grappled with sex addiction more recently than ever, a movie focusing solely on that issue was unheard of. That’s what makes this once shocking and controversial movie stand out as a unique must-watch.
Thanks for Sharing is meaningful in three main aspects. First, it's a funny, well-written, and well-acted take on an important issue. Second, it accurately depicts the difficulties and joys of recovering from sex addiction. Third, it is a movie that can and hopefully will inform current sex addicts and the broader public about the nature (and treatment options for) of a condition that has hitherto received little attention.
Thanks for Sharing
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Release Date September 19, 2013 Director Stuart Blumberg Cast Mark Ruffalo , Tim Robbins , gwyneth paltrow , Josh Gad , Joely Richardson , Patrick Fugit Runtime 10029 'I Care a Lot' (2020)
Directed by J Blakeson
Portraying a very caring and sublime profession like caregiving as a duplicitous and menacing one is brilliant and worth watching. With Rosamund Pike and Peter Dinklage headlining the Netflix original movie, the story focuses on a legal guardian of the elderly who swindles rich old people of their money but meets her match for a war of the wits till death.
Audiences will be relieved to know that I Care a Lot isn't based on one particular true incident. However, the movie is based on several actual guardianship fraud cases that prey on the riches and independence of elderly, defenseless Americans. Despite this serious premise, I Care a Lot manages to be a thoughtful satirical comedy that prods at guardianship issues.
I Care A Lot
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Release Date February 19, 2021 Director J Blakeson Cast Rosamund Pike , Peter Dinklage , Eiza Gonzalez , Dianne Wiest Runtime 118 minutes28 'A Simple Favor' (2018)
Directed by Paul Feig
A not-so-usual chick flick with drama and intrigue, A Simple Favor was made into a huge success primarily because of the brilliant performances by Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick. Blake Lively owned her character Emily gracefully as an immensely successful woman who is dominant and always gets what she wants.
Based on the best-selling 2017 novel, A Simple Favor is a blockbuster that revolves around a twisted friendship between two women who unexpectedly become friends and a sudden disappearance. Directed by Paul Feig, A Simple Favor is set to get a sequel as fans are dying to know what comes next. So get your Emily-style perfect martini ready for a whole new rollercoaster ride soon.
A Simple Favor
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Release Date August 29, 2018 Director Paul Feig Cast Anna Kendrick , Ian Ho , Joshua Satine , Glenda Braganza , Andy Rannells , Kelly McCormack Runtime 119 27 'Four Lions' (2010)
Directed by Chris Morris
A wild and satirical take on the rising tensions and fears surrounding terrorist attacks and threats throughout the era, Four Lions follows a group of amateur, wannabe suicide bombers living in Sheffield, England. After making an awkward disastrous run at a Pakistan training camp, their small group begins to place the steps toward their ultimate attack on the populace. However, as their day of attack inches closer and closer, they begin to have second thoughts about why and who they are bombing in the first place.
Four Lions accomplishes the arduous task of finding humor in what is easily one of the darkest and dreariest political topics of recent memory, with there seemingly being no room to find humor in terrorist attacks. The way that the film shifted and adjusted these heinous and dark topics into comedy gold is highly commendable, as well as working exceptionally well as a satirical look at humanity in even the worst of places. It shares a lot of comedic stylings with writer Jesse Armstrong's other notable satirical work, Succession, so fans of the acclaimed television series are sure to fall in love with Four Lions. – Robert Lee
Four Lions
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Release Date May 7, 2010 Director Christopher Morris Cast Benedict Cumberbatch , Julia Davis , Kayvan Novak , Riz Ahmed , Chris Wilson , Alex Macqueen Runtime 10226 'Game Night' (2018)
Directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein
A murder mystery mixed with comedy, Game Night is a film praised for its dark humor and an eccentric mix of the cast. According to reviews, the movie is a good time that maintains tension and humor without getting snarky, as evidenced by its 85% Rotten Tomatoes rating. The movie's ensemble cast, led by Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams, has received a lot of praise. The two stars play Max and Annie, a married couple who became close because of their shared love of games, and they host a regular game night.
For folks over a certain age, Game Night provides almost ideal entertainment. A ridiculous vehicle pursuit, an abrasive event that necessitates emergency surgery, and a house party with overtones of Eyes Wide Shut's mask-draped spectacle are all interwoven with commentary on aging, disappointment, doomed romance, and sibling rivalry.
Game Night
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Release Date February 22, 2018 Director John Francis Daley , Jonathan M. Goldstein Cast Jason Bateman , Rachel McAdams , Kyle Chandler , Sharon Horgan , Billy Magnussen , Lamorne Morris Runtime 100 minutes 25 'Network' (1976)
Directed by Sidney Lumet
A brilliant and self-reflective piece of satire about the powerful nature and implications of capitalism in the world of television news, Network blends dark comedy, drama, and romance into a perfect reflection of the hardships of the rise of television. The film follows the story of long-time anchorman Howard Beale, who finds himself being forced to retire after 25 years of hard work because of his old age and lowered ratings. However, after making a statement and saying on live television his plan to kill himself during his final broadcast, the executives begin to scramble as Beale's chaotic outburst resulted in a spike in ratings.
Few films have managed to be as timeless and accurate with their destructive view of the topic that it's satirizing, with the philosophical nature and inherent comedy of the premise still holding true nearly 50 years after Network's original release. It's a statement not only of the execution of the craft but also the ingeniously brilliant dark comedy of the film that Network has become one of the most beloved and acclaimed satirical movies of the 20th century. – Robert Lee
Network
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Release Date November 27, 1976 Director Sidney Lumet Cast Faye Dunaway , William Holden , Peter Finch , Robert Duvall , Wesley Addy , Ned Beatty Runtime 121 minutes24 'Sorry to Bother You' (2018)
Directed by Boots Riley
Boots Riley, perhaps best known for his Oakland-based hip-hop group The Coup and social activism, released his first movie, Sorry to Bother You. This debut pits working people against their biggest villain: capitalism. Through his direction and screenplay, Riley demonstrates that he's a natural when it comes to filmmaking.
LaKeith Stanfield portrays Cassius, a Black man who advances through the ranks of his telemarketing company after realizing that his "white" voice may help him close more deals. Armie Hammer stands out as the Jeff Bezos-like antagonist. A hilarious office-life film, Sorry to Bother You features a ton of turns that you wouldn't anticipate, stunning visuals, and a jam-packed soundtrack. It's one of the best films of the 2010s overall, not just one of the best dark comedies.
Sorry to Bother You
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Release Date July 6, 2018 Director Boots Riley Cast Tessa Thompson , Armie Hammer , LaKeith Stanfield , Patton Oswalt , Steven Yeun , Terry Crews Runtime 10523 'Risky Business' (1983)
Directed by Paul Brickman
Featuring Tom Cruise’s hilarious breakout role as high school senior Joel Goodsen, Risky Business depicts his antics when his parents leave him home alone for their vacation. Instead of just throwing a party gone wrong, Joel goes the extra mile when he unexpectedly turns the house into a brothel to pay for the services of a sex worker from the night before.
Full of mischief and sexual exploits, director Paul Brickman's Risky Business became a box office hit and was often compared to another classic, 1967’s The Graduate. Cruise’s performance perfectly captured a unique type of youthful recklessness that only suburban ennui can bring.
Risky Business
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Release Date August 5, 1983 Director Paul Brickman Cast Tom Cruise , Rebecca De Mornay , Joe Pantoliano , Richard Masur , Bronson Pinchot , Curtis Armstrong Runtime 98 22 'The Menu' (2022)
Directed by Mark Mylod
Set in an exclusive restaurant on an isolated island, The Menu follows a couple's experience during their dinner, which the chef (masterfully played by Ralph Fiennes) has meticulously prepared with dark intentions. Directed by Mark Mylod, the movie features an ensemble cast led by Anya Taylor-Joy as the last-minute customer, alongside Nicholas Hoult, Janet McTeer, Reed Birney, Judith Light, and John Leguizamo.
With an all-star cast performing at their best, a grotesquely shocking premise full of twists and turns, and biting satire combined with a direct parody of food documentaries, The Menu is a deliciously grim but funny film made for fans of dark comedies.
The Menu
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Release Date November 18, 2022 Director Mark Mylod Cast Ralph Fiennes , Anya Taylor-Joy , John Leguizamo , Nicholas Hoult Runtime 107 minutes 21 'The Dictator' (2012)
Directed by Larry Charles
One of the best and most awesome movies that come to mind when you think of dark comedies is this blockbuster flick – The Dictator.Sacha Baron Cohen, Ben Kingsley, and Anna Farris feature in the movie in lead roles. Cohen did a fantastic job portraying an over-the-top, suave, and extremely eccentric dictator, Aladeen (Cohen), who wants nothing but the best for his country.
The movie offers a hilarious take on the dictator's situations and actions, which would be troublesome and problematic in reality. Viewers will almost feel guilty laughing at everything he does. According to producers Jeff Schaffer and David Mandel, Kim Jong-il, Idi Amin, Muammar Gaddafi, Mobutu Sese Seko, and Saparmurat Niyazov served as inspirations for Cohen's portrayal.
The Dictator
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Release Date May 15, 2012 Director Larry Charles Cast Megan Fox , Sacha Baron Cohen , Anna Faris , Ben Kingsley , John C. Reilly , B.J. Novak Runtime 10520 'Serial Mom' (1994)
Directed by John Waters
Blending the conventions and clichés of the slasher genre with the stylings and no-nonsense chaos of director John Waters, Serial Mom is a hilariously dark look at the falsities and hypocrisies of suburban life. The film follows the story of seemingly perfect suburban mom Beverly Sutphin (Kathleen Turner), who, despite her wholesome exterior, is in reality a mischievous and rebellious seed of chaos for her neighbors. However, when an increasing number of innocuous slights begin impacting her family members, Beverly decides to kick it up a notch and begins murdering all those responsible.
While horror comedies of seemingly innocent caricatures turned murderers are nothing new, it's the brilliant lead performance from Turner that quickly transforms Serial Mom into a horror comedy for the ages. From singing musical numbers while killing someone with a slab of meat to anger caused by a neighbor refusing to recycle, the film is filled with a hilarious, tongue-in-cheek sense of humor. Especially for fans of Waters's other iconic comedies from over the years, Serial Mom is his effective and brilliant foray into horror, which fits his dark comedy style perfectly. – Robert Lee
Serial Mom
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Release Date April 13, 1994 Director John Waters Cast Kathleen Turner , Sam Waterston , Ricki Lake , Matthew Lillard Runtime 93 minutes19 'Promising Young Woman' (2020)
Directed by Emerald Fennell
An award-winning thriller film and satisfying revenge movie directed by Emerald Fennell in her feature directorial debut, Promising Young Woman depicts Cassie Thomas' (Carey Mulligan) story. The 30-year-old medical school dropout works in a coffee shop by day and spends her nights feigning drunkenness until a man takes her home. When some of them inevitably try to take advantage of her, she calls them out for it. Her routine changes with the unexpected arrival of a charming man in her life.
A twisty, gripping, and surprisingly emotional movie, Promising Young Woman proves over and over that it's never what it seems through its well-written narrative. Cassie's story – masterfully told through a darkly comedic lens – is incredibly powerful and, more importantly, resonates with real-life experiences that women around the world face.
Promising Young Woman
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Release Date December 13, 2020 Director Emerald Fennell Cast Carey Mulligan , bo burnham , laverne cox , Clancy Brown , Jennifer Coolidge , Christopher Mintz-Plasse Runtime 113 18 'Burn After Reading' (2008)
Directed by Ethan and Joel Coen
One of many exceptional dark comedy movies from the Coen Brothers, Burn After Reading sees them take on the world of amateur contemporary crime when a CIA analyst's memoirs fall into the hands of gym employees Linda and Chad. The duo attempt to use their discovery as leverage to blackmail money out of the analyst, although their inept attempts at blackmail prove to only make an already chaotic situation that much more dangerous and unpredictable.
With a cast full of A-List stars from the likes of George Clooney and Brad Pitt to Tilda Swinton and Frances McDormand, Burn After Reading never lets up from its unpredictable and hilarious display of amateur crime and awkward infighting. The film doesn't shy away from the greatest aspects that dark comedy can provide, from disturbing themes of murder and larceny blended with charming and instantly iconic performances from across the board. – Robert Lee
Burn After Reading
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Release Date September 5, 2008 Director Ethan Coen , Joel Coen Cast George Clooney , Frances McDormand , Brad Pitt , John Malkovich , Tilda Swinton , Richard Jenkins Runtime 9617 'Heathers' (1988)
Directed by Michael Lehmann
Heathers is considered a timeless classic of the dark comedy genre and an innovative film that transformed teen movies that followed. Taking place in an Ohio high school the film follows a clique of teenage girls, one of whom – Veronica (Winona Ryder) – is getting sick of her peers' horrible attitudes. Alongside her boyfriend J.D. (Christian Slater), Veronica confronts the clique's leader, but then unintentionally ends up poisoning her. The duo soon scramble to cover up the murder as a suicide. Things quickly take an even darker turn when it's revealed that J.D. is an actual murderer.
Directed by Michael Lehmann in his film debut, Heathers wasn't initially well-received by critics, which isn't surprising considering how subversive and provocative it was for its time. Today, a well-deserved re-evaluation has placed it among the very best of the genre, and its important influence on subsequent films and humorous reflection of teen culture in the late '80s are rightly widely recognized by fans and critics alike.
Heathers
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Release Date March 31, 1989 Director Michael Lehmann Cast Winona Ryder , Christian Slater , Shannen Doherty , Lisanne Falk , Kim Walker , Penelope Milford Runtime 103 minutes16 'The Banshees of Inisherin' (2022)
Directed by Martin McDonagh
Director Martin McDonagh's The Banshees of Inisherin rightly gained recognition during the awards circuit, as it's easily the best dark tragicomedy of 2022. Set on a quiet island off the coast of Ireland, the film revolves around the abrupt end to a long friendship between Pádraic Súilleabháin (Colin Farrell) and Colm Doherty (Brendan Gleeson). Soon Pádraic's attempts at fixing their relationship lead to disastrous results.
With genuine laugh-out-loud moments, a thought-provoking script, and gorgeous cinematography, it's not too far-fetched to imagine that The Banshees of Inisherin is already a classic that will go down in history as being among the top movies of this decade. Farrell and Gleeson's stellar performances, the dark story and the setting's bleak atmosphere can easily pull viewers in.
The Banshees of Inisherin
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Release Date October 21, 2022 Director Martin McDonagh Cast Colin Farrell , Brendan Gleeson , Barry Keoghan , Kerry Condon Runtime 1h 54m 15 'Welcome to the Dollhouse' (1996)
Directed by Todd Solondz
In director Todd Solondz’s Welcome to the Dollhouse, Heather Matarazzo plays the role of Dawn Weiner, a middle-school student who is constantly teased and bullied both in school and at home. Unpopular and socially awkward, Dawn’s attempts at earning the respect of her peers only get the attention of the school’s bully.
Welcome to the Dollhouse is a fantastic coming-of-age story that depicts the uncomfortable parts of growing up in a painfully honest way. Matarazzo’s vulnerable performance as Dawn is memorable for the way she makes the character likable and relatable, getting audiences to root for her until the very end.
Welcome to the Dollhouse
RRelease Date May 24, 1996 Director Todd Solondz Cast Heather Matarazzo , Victoria Davis , Christina Brucato , Christina Vidal , Siri Howard , Brendan Sexton III Runtime 8814 'Election' (1999)
Directed by Alexander Payne
Taking the world of petty squabbles and high school drama to the utmost extremes and possibilities, Election is as cynical and dark as it is hilarious and multi-faceted in its execution. The film follows the story of a student election being held by history teacher Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick), with his increasing annoyance that overachieving student Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) is running unopposed. Jim, however, eventually finds someone to run against Tracy, Paul Metzler, as Jim attempts to do everything that he can to sabotage Tracy's campaign and to knock her down a peg.
Director Alexander Payne has always been able to find abject humor in the strangest and most unexpected of places, with Election finding great deals of ingenious comedy from watching the crumbling power trip of a sad, conniving man. However, the increasingly dark mental hoops that Jim jumps through to justify his petty misuse of power is only half of the puzzle, as Witherspoon's Tracy Flick is the perfect blend of obnoxious youth and obligation to victory. Seeing these two toxic caricatures go at each other's throats makes for what is easily one of the best dark comedy movies. – Robert Lee
Election
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Release Date April 23, 1999 Director Alexander Payne Cast Matthew Broderick , Reese Witherspoon , Chris Klein , Jessica Campbell , Phil Reeves , Molly Hagan Runtime 9913 'Barton Fink' (1991)
Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen
A genre-bending Palme d'Or winner by the Coen Brothers, Barton Fink is an influential film that tells the story of the title character (played by John Turturro), a socially awkward playwright who struggles with artistic and personal crises when he moves to Hollywood. His neighbor, Charlie Meadows (played by John Goodman), tries his best to help.
Set in 1941, the movie depicts the protagonist’s experiences with writer’s block, which soon gives way to deeper personal issues that stop him from writing a B-movie script. With a touch of absurdity and a load of humor, Barton Fink explores the writing process while commenting on the grueling processes artists have to deal with in the industry. It’s no wonder it has resonated with so many creatives and is still relevant today.
Barton Fink
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Release Date August 1, 1991 Director Joel Coen , Ethan Coen Cast John Turturro , John Goodman , Judy Davis , Michael Lerner , John Mahoney , Tony Shalhoub Runtime 116 12 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' (1998)
Directed by Terry Gilliam
Adapted from Hunter S. Thompson's eponymous 1971 novel, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas depicts Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) and his attorney Dr. Gonzo's (Benicio del Toro) wild trip to the titular city. For the sake of journalism, they carry bags full of drugs in their iconic convertible as they zoom through the desert to make it in time for a motorcycle race.
Despite combining dark humor, psychedelic visuals, and fantastic performances from the main duo, Fear and Loathing was severely underrated when it first premiered. Some felt that it couldn't effectively translate the source material on the big screen, but the dark comedy's growing cult following today shows that it offered something else entirely, and is a great entry in the genre.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
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Release Date May 22, 1998 Director Terry Gilliam Cast Johnny Depp , Benicio Del Toro , Tobey Maguire , Ellen Barkin , Gary Busey , Christina Ricci Runtime 11811 'Knives Out' (2019)
Directed by Rian Johnson
Knives Out is a gripping yet comedic mystery film directed, written, and produced by Rian Johnson and starring an ensemble cast led by Daniel Craig. The plot centers around the murder of the rich crime author Harlan Thrombey, who is found dead at his house shortly after his 85th birthday party.
Johnson's directing, the cast's performances, the writing, and the film's mixing of several genres made it an instant classic. Knives Out took old murder-mystery tropes and applied humor, wit, and stellar acting to create a wholly unique dark comedy. Its 2022 sequel, Glass Onion, presents an entirely new story and comes close to the quality of the original, making both films worth seeing at least once.
Knives Out
PG-13 Where to Watch*Availability in US
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Release Date November 27, 2019 Director Rian Johnson Cast Toni Collette , Ana De Armas , Chris Evans , Katherine Langford , Jaeden Martell , Edi Patterson , Daniel Craig Runtime 130 minutesncG1vNJzZmibn6G5qrDEq2Wcp51kr6a%2F02abmqqbYrCwucSdoJ6rXZu%2FsLmMrZ%2BeZZSesLWt06ipZqyfYrWwvtGimaWdXZe8tL%2FErGSrmZ6gsqV7