A great dark comedy can hit the funny bone of viewers whilst tugging at their heartstrings. It can invoke laughter with its absurdity while making viewers uneasy with its dark, twisted, and/or disturbing themes. Filmmakers like the Coen Brothers and Tarantino are prime examples of injecting funny concepts while making audiences uncomfortable with their crime capers, dramas, and action films. Though this uniquely rich blend of genres has been experimented with by a slew of others as well, taking them in some interesting directions.
With this list, we’ll take a look at the 10 best examples of these unsettling dark comedies, as ranked by IMDb.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (8.2)
This 2017 drama, directed and produced by Martin McDonagh, has been critically acclaimed for its standout performances and rich screenplay, securing Oscars for both McDonagh and actor Sam Rockwell.
In the wake of her daughter’s tragic murder, a grieving Mildred (Frances McDormand) gets the attention of the town by installing some controversial billboards. This stirs up drama and conflict amongst the police force and town citizenry, whose complacencies become unwelcomely exposed. Three Billboards makes for a gripping comedy-drama with a deep sociopolitical bent, heavy themes, and shocking twists.
Snatch (8.3)
Though there’s no shortage of grim crime films, there are few that can balance heavier tones with whimsical humor quite like Guy Ritchie’s Snatch from 2000.
While it’s received some criticism for some “surface-level” content that may border on juvenile at times, Snatch has become a cult classic amongst fans with its uniquely fun brand of dark comedy. Benicio Del Toro and Brad Pitt, among others, shine as the likable antiheroes, adding some character to film. Thanks to some memorable zingers, stylish editing, and a distinct heist premise that involves an underground boxing ring, Statch is a compelling watch.
Reservoir Dogs (8.3)
Like many Tarantino projects, this raunchy film tends to emphasize gratuitous violence and dark themes over laugh-out-loud bouts. Yet, the filmmaker holds a knack for tossing in a dollop of absurdity and dark humor in his films, and Reservoir Dogs is no different.
This ‘92 crime film hones in on a gang of colorful criminals, whose planned heist of a jewelry store takes a violent and chaotic turn. Along with a slew of bloody moments, there’s plenty of that realistic, Tarantino-style rambling. A prime example is when Steve Buscemi’s character Mr. Pink goes off about the concept of tipping. This is a uniquely unsettling, yet entertaining watch, thanks to some dark moments, a frantic sense of pacing, and an exciting plot.
Inglourious Basterds (8.3)
Judging from the name itself, you can tell you’re dealing with a pretty unorthodox film that pushes boundaries, even for the standards of Tarantino. You’ve got a combination of a comedy, drama, war film, and crime caper. This is all laced with historical themes that blend silly fiction with a dark reality. The film plays with a fun alternate history premise that uses the grim overlay of Nazi-occupied France to tell its gripping tale.
As you’d imagine from such a setting, there’s no shortage of gut-wrenching death and violence to be had as our heroes try to evade and outsmart SS officers. Still, there’s plenty of whimsical humor, thanks to the silliness of Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) and his band of rebellious “basterds.” The buildup and tension throughout, leading to the crescendo of the theatre scene, makes for a captivating watch.
The Great Dictator (8.4)
This next film, which dates back to 1940, overlaps a touch with our previous entry - with its political satire that pokes fun at Hitler and Nazi Germany. Yet, that’s roughly where the similarities end when it comes to this dark comedy from the great Charlie Chaplin.
One of the last holdouts of the silent film era, The Great Dictator marks Chaplin’s first true sound film, and it’s a memorable one. The actor and filmmaker’s versatility is on full display here, as he takes on the role of both the ruthless dictator and a persecuted Jewish barber. Despite the dialogue, there’s still that trademark style of bold imagery and animated acting, which blends dark themes with visual humor.
Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb (8.4)
Stanley Kubrick is one of those timeless experimental filmmakers that has stood out to this day. This is thanks, in part, to his unique knack for deep and unsettling films that often possess a tinge of absurd humor. 1964’s Dr. Strangelove is a compelling example of this.
The plot deals with a loopy US Air Force general hellbent on hitting the Soviet Union with a nuclear attack, while the president and his advisors scramble to recall the bombers to avoid nuclear destruction. The film is an emblematic representation of the Cold War-era US. Peter Sellers and George C. Scott shine with dynamic performances that stand the test of time. There’s a reason this was among the first to be selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. It’s that significant, and that impactful.
Django Unchained (8.4)
Quentin Tarantino is at it again - this time using the similarly dark, gritty backdrop of the US South on the eve of the Civil War to paint the scene. Former slave Django is brought to life by Jamie Foxx, who teams up with a bounty hunter, Dr. King Schultz. This German renegade hires him to lead him to a trio of outlaws who oversaw Django’s old plantation. Performances from big names such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Samuel L. Jackson further add to the authenticity and entertainment value.
Harsh dialogue and bloody themes are balanced by some witty character moments and tongue-in-cheek humor. This revisionist neo-Western is a rough, but entertaining ride, with its amusing characters and its gripping tale of vengeance.
Parasite (8.6)
South Korean director Bong Joon-ho made history with this rich black comedy thriller by winning an Oscar for best International Feature Film and Best Picture, along with various other accolades. Indeed, its heavy presence at the 92nd Academy Awards put 2019’s Parasite on the radar for many, and rightfully so. It’s an enthralling tale that deals with the dynamic of class and culture, renowned for its Hitchcok-esque narrative.
The film follows the wealthy Park Family and the downtrodden Kim Family, who form a symbiotic relationship that’s threatened to be shaken up by an interloper. The film draws from bold imagery and social satire for the bulk of its humor while injecting plenty of emotional depth throughout.
Fight Club (8.8)
You may not be permitted to talk about Fight Club, but we certainly feel the need to. In yet another memorable role, Brad Pitt plays Tyler Durden, the badass, “no-nonsense” counterpart to the downtrodden, subdued protagonist (Edward Norton). David Fincher’s standout drama from ‘99 takes an experimental, borderline surreal approach to a character drama. These traits and others have helped Fight Club reach iconic, cult-classic status.
The film deals with personal growth and coming to terms with oneself - using the rather unique outlet of beating up opponents in an organized setting. It pushed boundaries and helped pioneer new concepts in movies with its mind-bending twist ending. Like our antihero leads, Fight Club makes you question your own mental state - and all you seem to know for certain is the emphatic first and second rules of Fight Club.
Pulp Fiction (8.9)
While most on our list waver between dark themes and humor, this zany crime film from ‘94 tosses in just about everything but the kitchen sink - and pulls it off terrifically.
Even now, Pulp Fiction is regarded by critics and fans alike for its distinct storytelling and editing, and dynamic performances by John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, and Uma Thurman. Tarantino plays with the concepts of separate but intertwining stories, through the lens of a neo-noir crime caper. The trials and escapades of our antiheroes spiral out of control and are often at odds with each other, providing a uniquely rich narrative. Thanks to some colorful dialogue, stylized cinematography, and all-around crazy moments, Pulp Fiction shines as a gold standard of dark comedy.
