Top 25 list of the best dark comedy films: a genre* in which comedic elements are balanced by dark and bitter themes and tones. Hidden beneath the veil of comedy are overturned tragedies—a mix that compels the viewer to question what they are laughing at, stimulating their moral conscience and encouraging interpretation.
“Dark comedy” is a genre* of comedy that seeks to balance the tragic aspect with humor, forcing the viewer to sit uncomfortably and prompting reflection on the ambiguity and complexity of reality and human emotions. Some of the prominent features manifest in the use of black humor, generally darker tones compared to traditional comedies, the development of comedic situations in serious contexts, strongly accentuated characterizations, the unfolding of paradoxical or morally ambiguous situations, social criticism often simmering beneath the surface, and moments of tension and conflict that are tempered through irony and sometimes cynicism. It is an extremely adept cinematic genre at challenging social conventions, norms, and expectations.
Below, we present our choices for the best films belonging to this genre*.
*The idea of a genre is always vaguely defined; we are not fans of rigid categorizations and labels because they diminish the uniqueness of each work. However, concerning this text, rather than a precise and suffocating genre codification, we aim to indicate a common thread that connects all these films.
Disclaimer: the order of appearance of the films on this list is not only based on the craftsmanship and quality of the film but also takes into account the proximity or distance from the genre we are discussing.
“What We Do in the Shadows” is a 2014 film written and directed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. The plot follows the daily lives of a group of vampire roommates in Wellington, New Zealand. With intelligent humor, the film provides a funny and unique perspective anchored in the world of the undead, successfully blending comedic situations with gothic elements. The story was later adapted into a TV series of the same name, co-created by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, which debuted in 2019. “What We Do in the Shadows” falls into the dark comedy genre, offering a distinctive combination of black humor, satire, and a narrative that relies on the ridiculous and absurd to create an entertaining and clever story.
24. “Red Rocket”
“Red Rocket,” released in 2021 and directed by Sean Baker, acclaimed for his previous work “The Florida Project,” presents itself as an extremely intriguing film. The plot follows Mikey Saber, a former adult film actor who returns to his hometown with the goal of redeeming himself. Mikey’s character is multifaceted, with motivations that elude immediate viewer interpretation, while the film tackles profound themes such as ambition, redemption, and desire. Through engaging storytelling and outstanding performances, “Red Rocket” provides a complex perspective on the quest for a second chance in life.
“Red Rocket” is not a traditional dark comedy in the conventional sense, although it possesses some key characteristics: the plot contains dramatic and reflective elements that may overshadow the comedic aspect. The nature of the film can be described as more complex, blending different narrative tones to explore the presented themes.
23. “In The Loop”
“In The Loop” is a brilliant satirical comedy from 2009, directed by Armando Iannucci. Noted for its use of sharp humor, the film unfolds through intricate diplomatic situations involving a group of British and American politicians. The narrative provides a irreverent and often surreal look at politics, maintaining a fast-paced, highly verbose rhythm enriched with colorful language, to say the least. It’s an almost furious comedy that elicits smiles while highlighting the distance and detachment that can arise between real life and the world of power groups.
“In the Loop” can be considered a dark comedy due to its ability to address serious topics with sharp and sarcastic humor, focusing on the comedy arising from complex and often surreal political situations.
22. “The Trouble With Harry”
“The Trouble with Harry” is a 1955 film by the master Alfred Hitchcock. It is a work that offers a fascinating blend of black comedy and mystery. Set in a picturesque village, the film follows the amusing misadventures related to the discovery of a corpse. The film is imbued with comedic elements and entertaining situations, thanks to the presence of the corpse that leads to a series of misunderstandings. With Hitchcock’s usual brilliant touch, it represents a unique and lighthearted cinematic experience that perfectly captures the dark humor of the master of suspense.
“The Trouble with Harry” is included in this list of dark comedies because, despite dealing with death, it does so in a light-hearted manner, emphasizing the absurdity of life and death through black humor and Hitchcock’s distinctive approach to storytelling.
21. “Death at a Funeral”
“Death at a Funeral” is a 2007 film directed by Frank Oz. The plot, at times irreverent, revolves around black comedy stemming from a series of embarrassing and comedic situations that unfold during a funeral, creating a chaotic and amusing atmosphere. The film boasts an exceptional cast, including actors like Matthew Macfadyen, Rupert Graves, Peter Dinklage, and many others, who deliver vibrant performances contributing to the humor of the work. The film explores complex family dynamics and intrigues, offering a satirical look at the nature of relationships within a family. Black humor and comedic situations emerge from the collision between mourning and the eccentricities of the characters, making “Death at a Funeral” an example of dark comedy.
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