Comedy is subjective. But some of the best comedy films are the dark ones. They go from unexpected to nastily surprising and can leave you flabbergasted. Many laugh at the absurdity of a situation or its weirdness. One of the most popular and most watched genres of all time is a dark comedy (also called black comedy). The use of uncomfortable, odd, vulgar and many other similar situations as comedy is now widely used to entertain audiences. There are no clichéd plots, easy laughs, or slapstick jokes.
Dark comedy is one genre that has evolved the most. This kind of cinema pokes fun at everything serious, even death. The idea is to make heavy concepts look funny such as crisis, mortality, crime and anything one would never ideally associate with humor. There are various layers and different levels to dark comedy, but in any manner, you’re going to need some thick skin to enjoy it.
If you are watching a good film in this genre, you’ll find yourself laughing or snickering at things you’re not supposed to laugh at. That’s the sheer brilliance of the dark comedy genre. When we realize that the people presenting jokes to us are actually in on the joke, the entire context changes; rather than feeling the need to critique unacceptable behavior, we can recognize the ridiculousness of the behaviors, actions or happenings, and laugh at them.
Many filmmakers have made critically successful and well-received films in this genre, won
many accolades for their work, and successfully challenged much humor. Some filmmakers who have nailed the dark comedy genre include The Coen Brothers, Martin McDonagh, Quentin Tarantino; there’s a lot to choose from, so here’s a list of the best dark comedy films to watch.
1. Fargo (1996)
- Director: Joel Coen
- Writer: Joel and Ethan Coen
- Starring: Frances McDormand, Steve Buscemi, William H. Macy
- IMDb: 8.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
- Where to watch: Netflix
A car salesman hires two men to have his wife kidnapped to get a ransom from her wealthy father. However, things do not go as planned, which leads to some homicides, which attract the attention of a police chief who is pregnant. The film won two Oscars for Best Actress (for McDormand) and Best Original Screenplay in 1997. Fargo also spawned a television series in 2014 after the film and referenced the film in many episodes. The American Film Institute named Fargo as one of the 100 greatest films in history.
2. Game Night (2018)
- Director: John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein
- Writer: Mark Perez
- Starring: Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman, Kyle Chandler, Jesse Plemons
- IMDb: 6.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime
A fun game night takes an adverse turn when a group of friends finds themselves in actual mystery after one of them supposedly gets kidnapped. When Annie and Max play a seemingly harmless murder mystery game with Max’s brother Brooks and some friends, things begin to take surprising turns and twists as not all is what it seems to be. A few running gags in the film involve unbreakable glass tables and a Denzel Washington lookalike.
The film is original, hilarious and filled with uncomfortable yet hilarious situations. Jesse Plemons received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Detroit Film Critics Society. Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams received nominations at the Critics Choice Movie Awards, and the film was nominated for Best Comedy. The good thing is that a sequel is on the way and will be hilarious like the first.
3. What We Do In The Shadows (2014)
- Writer and Director: Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement
- Starring: Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement, Jonathan Brugh, Stu Rutherford
- IMDb: 7.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Netflix
This film changed the game in the field of mockumentary and vampire films. This film follows a group of vampires living together in an apartment in Wellington. The vampires, like many others, are hundreds of years old and are having trouble adjusting to the modern world and changing times. The vampire roommates try to cope with the complexities and hardships of modern life and show a new hipster some of the advantages of being undead.
If you’re bored of the vampire genre and yet is looking for something different, this film is for you. A television adaptation of the film also followed, focusing on vampires living in the United States and is a huge success. Taika Waititi has also talked about making a sequel to the film. If he does make the sequel, there will be absolutely no doubt that it will be crazy and funny like the first one.
4. Pulp Fiction (1994)
- Writer and Director: Quentin Tarantino
- Starring: John Travolta, Samuel Jackson, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis, Ving Rhames, Tim Roth, Quentin Tarantino, Harvey Keitel
- IMDb: 8.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
- Where to watch: Netflix
Pulp Fiction is a one-of-a-kind crime comedy that is one of Tarantino’s finest. In the underworld realm, a series of incidents intertwines the lives of two Los Angeles mobsters, a gangster’s wife, a boxer and two small-time criminals. The film follows a non-linear narrative and makes the audience put the pieces together. The film also has long conversations with each character sharing perspectives on different subjects and features homages and pop culture references.
Tarantino won his first Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Pulp Fiction. Pulp Fiction also won the Golden Globe for Best Screenplay. A studio reportedly turned down the script for Pulp Fiction before Miramax decided to fund the film. Pulp Fiction remains one of the highest-grossing and most financially successful films. Pulp Fiction earned more than $200 million at the box office against an $8 million budget.
5. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
- Writer and Director: Quentin Tarantino
- Starring: Brad Pitt, Eli Roth, Christoph Waltz, Michael Fassbender, Eli Roth, Daniel Brühl, Melanie Laurent, Diane Kruger.
- Where to watch: Netflix
Inglourious Basterds is, without a doubt, Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece. Just like Pulp Fiction, this film also uses long conversations, but these conversations always have a sense of tension that will keep you on your feet. Some of these conversations are sharp and witty as well. The film follows two different plans to assassinate Adolf Hitler. A group of Jewish soldiers is on an undercover mission to bring down Hitler and the Nazi regime and end the war.
At the same time, a French woman wants to avenge the death of her family from a German officer, Colonel Hans Landa. Christoph Waltz shines in this film as his role is a perfect blend of scary and funny, which deservedly won him an Oscar, a BAFTA and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. Quentin Tarantino received nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director. The film itself was nominated for Best Picture
6. Birdman (2014)
- Director: Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu
- Starring: Michael Keaton, Naomi Watts, Edward Norton, Emma Stone, Zach Galifianakis
- IMDb: 7.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
- Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime
A once-famous actor, well known for playing a renowned superhero, realizes that he is fading. He intends to resurrect his career with a Broadway play. Riggan Thomson, a fading cinema star, plans to resurrect his career with a potentially successful Broadway production. However, during rehearsals, one of his co-stars is injured, which forces him to hire a new actor. There are, however, many problems faced behind the scenes, both personally as well as professionally.
Birdman has been shot uniquely, and the whole film looks like one continuous shot. Birdman won four Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best Cinematography. Michael Keaton, Edward Norton and Emma Stone received acting nominations at the Oscars as well. Michael Keaton also won his first Golden Globe in Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy category.
7. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
- Writer and Director: Martin McDonagh
- Starring: Francis McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Lucas Hedges, Peter Dinklage, Abbie Cornish, Caleb Landry Jones
- IMDb: 8.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
- Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon
Mildred Hayes’ daughter is raped and murdered. The police, however, cannot find the person who did this. Seven months later, Mildred rents three billboards and targets the police. This leads to a series of events in the town. The film has a fantastic story and great performances by the stellar cast. The film won two Oscars for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor. Frances McDormand won her second Oscar for Best Actress for this film.
8. Burn After Reading
- Writer and Director: Joel and Ethan Coen
- Starring: Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, J.K. Simmons
- IMDb: 7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 78%
- Where to watch: Netflix
A film is so dark yet comical that even a person’s sudden death could make you laugh. Two gym employees chance upon a CIA employee’s CD drive containing sensitive information. They attempt to blackmail him and try to sell the CD to the Russians. A series of misadventures ensues as they try to profit from what they have found. Like many of their films, the Coen Brothers film Burn After Reading is a hilarious and wild film where Brad Pitt gives one of the best comical performances oh
9. The Lobster (2015)
- Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
- Cast: Colin Farrel, Rachel Weisz, Lea Seydoux, Olivia Coleman, John C. Reilly
- Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime
- IMDb: 7.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
- Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime
The Lobster has one of the bizarre yet unconventional plots of all time. The film follows a man told to find a love interest and make her a partner within 45 days. If he fails, he will be turned into an animal. This film is extremely unpredictable and entertaining. The Lobster received a nomination for Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars.
10. The Favorite (2018)
- Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
- Cast: Rachel Weisz, Emma Stone, Olivia Coleman
- IMDb: 7.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
- Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime
Two cousins fight to become the personal favorite subject of Queen Anne. Queen Anne of England falls sick, following which her close aide Sarah Churchill oversees the country’s important matters. Soon, things take an ugly turn when Sarah’s cousin Abigail becomes a subject and starts serving the queen. The film is a historical drama with elements of comedy. Olivia Coleman won the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in the film. Rachel Weisz won the BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress and received an Oscar nomination in the same category.
11. Filth (2013)
- Writer and Director: Jon S. Baird
- Starring: James McAvoy, Jamie Bell, Imogen Poots, Eddie Marsan
- IMDb: 7.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 66%
- Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime
A corrupt cop wants no trouble while solving the murder of a Japanese student. He decides to eliminate competition by killing his colleagues. Cop also abuses drugs and suffers from disturbing hallucinations. He is forced to confront and fight his inner Demons. James McAvoy delivers a fantastic performance as a despicable cop who wants nothing in his way while also suffering from some mental issues. He engages in abusive relationships and enjoys bullying his colleagues and peers.
12. Ready or Not (2018)
- Director: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett
- Cast: Samara Weaving, Adam Brody, Mark O’Brien, Henry Czerny and Andie MacDowell.
- IMDb: 6.8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime
After her dream wedding, a bride agrees to play a hide-and-seek game with her in-laws. This uncovers the family’s dark past, and she realizes that they are out to kill her as a part of a sinister ritual. The film is smart and darkly funny with elements of sweet revenge which the audiences will surely end up rooting for. The film is currently nominated for Best Horror Film at the Saturn Awards.
13. Get Out
- Writer and Director: Jordan Peele
- Cast: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Caleb Landry Jones, Lil RelHowery, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford, Lakeith Stanfield
- IMDb: 7.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 99%
An African American man decides to meet his white girlfriend’s parents and spend the weekend with them. He, however, is not prepared for the horrors that lay ahead of him. Get Out is one film that has many moments of comedy, even during the horrific moments. Get Out won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Lead actor Daniel Kaluuya received a nomination for Best Actor at the Oscars and many other awards. Get Out was also nominated for Best Picture, making it one of the few horror films nominated in that category. Jordan Peele also became the first person of color and the first African American to win Best Original Screenplay.
14. Sorry to Bother You (2018)
- Writer and Director: Boots Riley
- Cast Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Armie Hammer, Steven Yeun, Danny Glover, Terry Crews, Forest Whittaker
- IMDb 6.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
- Where to watch: Netflix
A telemarketer uses a beguiling method to win over customers on the line. This, however, puts him in a dangerous world of drugs and alienates him from his family. The telemarketer also comes across a drug which, Sorry To Bother You, has a bizarre yet massively entertaining premise. Boots Riley’s debut as writer and director is a huge success as the film is simply brilliant. The National Board of Review named Sorry To Bother You as one of their top 10 independent films of 2018.
The Directors Guild of America nominated Riley for Outstanding Directing – First Time Feature Film. Riley was also nominated for Best Screenplay at the Independent Spirit Awards.
15. Knives Out (2019)
- Writer and Director: Rian Johnson
- Cast: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, Lakeith Stanfield, Katherine Langford, Jaeden Martell, and Christopher Plummer.
- IMDb: 7.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime
The death of family patriarch and celebrated novelist Harlan Thrombey makes every member of his family a subject. A renowned detective is called in to solve the mystery and find the killer. Finding the killer proves to be extremely tricky for the detective. The circumstances surrounding the death of crime novelist Harlan Thrombey are mysterious. However, there is one thing that renowned Detective Benoit Blanc knows for sure – every member of the very dysfunctional Thrombey family is a suspect.
Now, Blanc must search through a web of lies and deceit to uncover the truth. Knives Out was nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars and the BAFTAs. A sequel to Knives Out with an even bigger A-list star cast is also coming soon, where Daniel Craig will return as Detective Benoit Blanc to solve a new case.
16. This is the End (2013)
- Writer and Director: Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg
- Cast: James Franco, Jonah Hill, Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, Michael Cera and Emma Watson (and many other actors playing exaggerated and fictional versions of themselves)
- IMDb: 6.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 83%
- Where to watch: Hulu
The film follows a group of Hollywood stars stuck in the middle of an apocalypse and looking for ways to survive. The film also has a plotline involving Seth and Jay’s friendship which is currently disintegrating due to unknown circumstances. Danny McBride is the wild attraction of the film and never fails in making the audience laugh when he’s on the screen. The film is a wild laugh-fest with zero dull moments and unforgettable performances by the star cast. The film was based on the short film Seth and Jay Versus the Apocalypse. This Is The End received nominations at various award ceremonies.
17. Parasite (2019)
- Writer and Director: Bong Joon-Ho
- Cast: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-Kyun, Cho Yeo-Jeong, Choi Woo-Shik, Park So-dam, Jang Hye-jin, and Lee Jung-Eun
- IMDb: 8.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime
A low-income family attempts to infiltrate a rich family’s home by posing as individuals with high qualifications. The struggling Kim family sees an opportunity to enjoy some luxury when the son starts working for the wealthy Park family. Soon, they find a way to work within the same household and start living a luxurious life in the posh home. The film has unexpected twists and turns and keeps you on your toes. This film heavily focuses on class differences.
Parasite won four Oscars, including Best Director and Best Picture. It is the first non-English film to win the Oscar for Best Picture. The parasite also became the first Korean film to win the Screen Actors’ Guild Award for Outstanding Performance By A Cast In a Motion Picture. Now Bong Joon-Ho is working on a limited series with Adam McKay, which is expected to explore some stories during the events of the film.
18. Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)
- Director: Larry Charles
- Cast: Sacha Baron Cohen, Ken Davitian, Luenell, Pamela Anderson
- IMDb: 7.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
- Where to watch: Netflix
Kazakh journalist Borat travels to the United States to makes a documentary on the nation. After many unfortunate incidents, he realizes that the USA is just like Kazakhstan in many ways. Borat’s narrow-mindedness is the highlight of the film and keeps landing him in trouble. He regularly embarrasses himself in front of people in interviews. A sequel to Borat titled Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan was released in 2020, where Borat comes back to the USA with his daughter to try and restore Kazakhstan’s image.
Sacha Baron Cohen won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy for both films. Both films were nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars. Maria Bakalova was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Borat’s daughter. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm also won the Writers Guild of America award for Best Adapted Screenplay and Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture: Musical or Comedy. Despite the acclaim, both films were banned in many Arab countries, and Kazakhstan called for the film to be banned from release.
19. The Dictator (2012)
- Director: Larry Charles
- Cast: Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris, Ben Kingsley, Jason Mantzoukas
- IMDb: 6.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 57%
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Admiral General Aladeen isn’t interested in a democracy. He travels to New York, where he gets replaced by a decoy by his uncle. He must race against time to prevent his nation of Wadia from becoming a democracy. The Dictator is an Aladeen film with some Aladeen moments and is Aladeen to watch. The film is disgustingly funny like any other Sacha Baron Cohen film and barely has any dull moments. The Dictator is one film that you would try to hate, but it’s so hilarious that you simply can’t. Just like Borat, The Dictator was also banned in many Arab nations.
To promote the film, Sacha Baron Cohen dressed up as Aladeen on many talk shows and interviews. In one interview, he “kidnapped” Martin Scorcese and made him say that The Dictator was good.
20. In Bruges (2008)
- Writer and Director: Martin McDonagh
- Cast: Colin Farrel, Brendan Gleeson, Ralph Fiennes, ClémencePoésy, JérémieRenier
- IMDb: 7.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
Two Irish hitmen, Ken and Ray, are stuck in Bruges, Belgium after their mission fails. The situation is further worsened when their enraged boss orders Ken to kill Ray. Writer and director Martin McDonagh is a master of black comedy, and this film further showcases it. Apart from the slick screenplay, Colin Farrel, Ralph Fiennes and Brendan Gleeson are top-notch as well. The film was nominated for the Golden for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
Colin Farrel and Brendan Gleeson were nominated for Best Actor in a Comedy, with Farrel winning the honor. Martin McDonagh received nominations for his original screenplay at the Oscars and won the BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay. He would later go on to win the award again for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. McDonagh also won Best Screenplay at the British Independent Film Awards. The National Board of Review named In Bruges as one of the top 10 independent films of 2008.
Dark comedy isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. This type of offbeat comedy isn’t for everyone. You could either be shocked or horrified by what you’re watching and still laugh your gut out. With the way it’s done, seeing a guy getting shot in the head of someone having his hand chopped off might make you smile, albeit nervously. For some, it could be gross as well as eerie. But for those who’re willing to move on from repetitive, boring and clichéd films and transition to a bold new experience, this is what you’ve been looking for. So definitely check out these dark comedy masterpieces to enjoy. Happy Watching!
