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Dad's Top
20 Dark Comedy Films - Ranked!
Countdown from #20 to #1.
This
includes Dad's spoiler-free Mini-Preview!
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Honorable
Mention |
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Heathers
(1988)
Best
friends, social trends and occasional murder.
Director: Michael Lehmann, rated
R for language,
sexual situations, suicide
  Starring: Winona
Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty, Lisanne Falk, Kim
Walker, Glenn Shadix, Patrick Labyorteaux
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★☆☆☆
- good
"If you were happy
every day of your life you wouldn't be a human being.
You'd be a
game-show host." -
Veronica Sawyer
Why watch this? This
was my first "dark" comedy. Once I got it, a
whole new
cinematic world opened up.
Plot Summary:
At Westerburg High, Veronica Sawyer is part of the popular, but
cruel, clique known as "the Heathers" She becomes disillusioned
with their behavior and finds herself drawn to the new
rebellious student, J.D. Their relationship takes a dark turn,
leading Veronica to question her choices and confront the
dangerous path she's on.
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Dad's Preview:
This nasty flick features a clique of bitchy high school girls,
all named Heather, except one, Veronica. Veronica is not happy
hanging with these mean chicks,
and she misses her old friends. This gets her crossways with the
group's leader, Heather Chandler. Satirically, the movie visits
such teen taboos as sex, suicide, revenge and murder, and it's
all darkly hilarious. Considered a failure upon release, it is
now a cult classic. There is even a Heathers musical. |
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Cinemarque
Ent.; New World Pictures
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Top 20
Dark Comedy Films
#20 Top |
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Dr. Strangelove or
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love
the Bomb (1964)
The
wild hot-line suspense comedy.
Director: Stanley Kubrick, rated PG
Starring:
Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, Keenan Wynn,
Slim Pickens, Peter Bull, James Earl Jones, Tracy Reed
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Gentlemen, you can't
fight in here! This is the War Room!" -
President Merkin Muffley
Why watch this? This
is THE great black comedy about the Cold War.
Plot Summary:
In this Cold War satire, a paranoid US General unilaterally
initiates a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union. This forces the
President, his advisors, and a British liaison officer to
desperately try and recall the bombers before the situation
escalates into global catastrophe. However, unforeseen obstacles
and misunderstandings complicate their efforts to prevent a
devastating worldwide nuclear exchange.
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Dad's Preview:
This film is often in the discussion for greatest dark comedy ever
made. I do like it, but it's just too satirical for me. I
guess I just don't think nuclear annihilation is that funny.
From the film's standpoint, launching the bomb IS the
point. This Kubrick project has an all-star cast, and features
the brilliant Peter Sellers playing several roles. The final scene,
as cowboy actor Slim Pickens rides the ballistic missile, is a
iconic dark comedy image for the ages. |
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Hawk
Films; Columbia Pictures
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Top 20
Dark Comedy Films
#19 Top |
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Jojo Rabbit (2019)
An anti-hate
satire.
Director: Taika Waititi, rated PG
Starring: Roman
Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Taika Waititi, Rebel Wilson,
Stephen Merchant, Alfie Allen, Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"You're not a Nazi, Jojo.
You're a ten-year-old kid who likes swastikas and likes dressing
up
in a funny uniform who wants to be part of a club. But you're
not one of them." –
Elsa Korr
Why watch this?
If it's hard to describe, chances are it's a good film - this one
certainly is.
Plot Summary:
During World War II, a young German boy named Jojo, a devoted
member of the Hitler Youth, discovers that his mother is hiding
a Jewish girl named Elsa in their attic. Jojo, aided by his
imaginary friend, a whimsical version of Adolf Hitler, must
reconcile his deeply ingrained beliefs with this new reality.
This unexpected encounter challenges Jojo's blind nationalism
and forces him to confront the complexities of prejudice, love,
and loss amidst a world gripped by war.
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Dad's Preview:
Uber-creative filmmaker Taika Waititi sets this black comedy in Germany
during World War II, AND, has a young boy receive frequent
visits from the ghost of Adolph Hitler. What the... ?! After that
sentence, you want to know what I've been smokin', right? Yet,
this film is delightful, engrossing, funny... then gut-wrenching.
When the young German boy discovers a Jewish teen girl hiding in his attic,
he begins to realize that his idol, Adolph, might not be worthy
of his adulation. |
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TSG Ent., Defender
Films, Piki Films;
Fox Searchlight Pictures
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Top 20
Dark Comedy Films
#18 Top |
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Beetlejuice
(1988)
In This
House... If You've Seen One Ghost... You Haven't Seen
Them All.
Director: Tim Burton, rated PG
Starring: Alec
Baldwin, Geena Davis, Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jeffrey
Jones, Catherine O'Hara, Maurice Page, Hugo Stanger
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"I'm not scared of
sheets. Are you gross under there? Are you Night of the
Living Dead under there? Like all bloody veins and pus?" -
Lydia
Why watch this?
Tim Burton is a master at creating a world of the macabre.
Plot Summary: Adam
and Barbara, a recently deceased couple, find themselves
haunting their former home, unable to leave. When a new family
moves in and tries to drastically alter the house, the ghosts
attempt to scare them away. Their unsuccessful attempts lead
them to seek help from a chaotic spirit named Beetlejuice, whose
unconventional methods become dangerous for everyone involved.
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Dad's Preview:
This was a great collaboration between macabre director Tim Burton and
comedian Michael Keaton. The bold move here was to basically turn Keaton loose,
capitalizing on his unique style of comedic genius. This
inter-dimensional character is so freaking bizarre. However,
despite how gross he looks, it
works. I particularly enjoyed the family dinner séance and
demonic Conga dance, but I'm a weirdo. I also cannot forget the Maitland's
(the flick's undead couple) visit
to the chain-smoking death counselor. |
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The Geffen Company; Warner
Bros.
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Top 20
Dark Comedy Films
#17 Top |
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American Hustle (2013)
Everyone
Hustles To Survive
Director: David O. Russell, rated
R for language and sexual content
Starring:
Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence,
Jeremy Renner, Louis C.K., Jack Huston, Michael Peña, Shea Whigham, Alessandro
Nivola, Robert De Niro
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"She was the Picasso
of passive-aggressive karate. She was better than any con artist
I ever met, including myself, and she had me like nobody had me." –
Irving Rosenfeld, narrating
Why watch this?
A great plot and an incredible cast doing their best.
Plot Summary:
A con artist and his seductive partner are forced by an
ambitious FBI agent to participate in a sprawling and dangerous
sting operation to catch corrupt schemers and politicians. As
the plan to expose the fraudsters, power brokers, and Mafia gets
more complicated, the con artist's unpredictable wife threatens
to unravel everything. The film details the volatile alliances
and shifting loyalties that arise as everyone tries to hustle
their way to the top.
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Dad's Preview:
For a story about some nefarious characters (based on the
real-life
Abscam scandal of late 70's), this film is exceedingly
funny. This is in no small part due to a very talented director,
and four movie stars at the absolute tops of their game. This
film, with a banging 70's soundtrack, has such a classy mood
that you almost forget it's a movie. Each character drips of
something: caution, sexuality, neglect, ambition - they're all
damaged goods, either searching for respect or a way out. The
confrontation between Lawrence and Adams is one for the ages; my
mouth was hanging open. The whole thing builds, and we feel
something bad just has to happen to one, if not
all, of our seedy quasi-criminals... and that is the fun of it.
It gets better every time you watch it. |
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Columbia Pics,
Atlas Ent., Annapurna Pics;
Sony Pictures Releasing
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Top 20
Dark Comedy Films
#16 Top |
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Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (1983)
It took God
six days to create the earth, and Monty Python just 90 minutes
to screw it up.
Director: Terry Jones, rated R for language,
violence, gore, crude humor, sexual situations, nudity
Starring: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry
Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Carol Cleveland, Simon
Jones
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"You
always talk, you Americans. You talk and you talk and say 'let
me tell you something'
and 'I just wanna say this'. Well, you're
dead now, so shut up!" -
The Grim Reaper
Why watch this?
If you don't mind a little fake blood, I recommend the segment called
Live Organ
Donors.
Plot Summary:
This absurdist comedy explores the various stages of human
existence from birth to death through a series of darkly
humorous and often surreal sketches. The film delves into themes
such as religion, sex, war, and the mundanity of everyday life,
all with the unique and irreverent style of the Monty Python
troupe. Ultimately, it offers a comedic and philosophical
inquiry into the nature and purpose of life itself.
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Dad's Preview:
This Python dark comedy is a series of skits pertaining to life,
how humans kill each other, and
larger humanity's search for the "why are we here". If you are easily offended
or squeamish,
then you might want to keep walking. This pokes bloody fun at
everything... and everybody. It's absurdist satire at its most
vitriolic. If you can get past that, it also happens to be
extremely hilarious.
Mature audiences ONLY! |
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Celandine Films,
Monty Python Partnership;
Universal Pictures
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Top 20
Dark Comedy Films
#15 Top |
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The
Blues Brothers
(1980)
They'll never get caught. They're on a mission from God.
Director: John Landis, rated R for language
Starring: John
Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, James Brown, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles,
Carrie Fisher, Aretha Franklin, Henry Gibson, James Brown, John
Candy, John Lee Hooker, Twiggy, Charles Napier, Steve Lawrence,
Frank Oz
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Use of unnecessary violence in the
apprehension of the Blues Brothers HAS been approved." - Police Dispatcher
Why watch this?
Great blues music, edgy humor and the car crashes are off the charts!
Plot Summary: Newly
released convict brothers, Jake and Elwood Blues, embark on a
"mission from God" to save the Catholic orphanage where they
were raised from foreclosure. To do this, they must reunite
their old band and perform to raise the $5,000 needed to pay the
property taxes. Their efforts lead them on a chaotic adventure
across Illinois, encountering a series of zany characters and
being pursued by various groups, including the police, a
vengeful ex-girlfriend, and a neo-Nazi group.
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Dad's Preview:
How is it possible to take an Saturday Night Live skit and turn it into
a cinematic
spectacle?! On the heels of the raunchy
Animal House
(1978),
John Belushi had more cred with the studio execs, so he brought in John Landis
to direct. Beside being a wonderful homage to Chicago blues, it manages to be a
road/buddy, car-chase-filled action/comedy. Hell, there are even
a few Nazi's. Not
to mention cameo's from Carrie Fisher, James Brown, Twiggy, Ray Charles and the goddess of
soul herself, Aretha Franklin. |
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Robert K. Weiss; Universal
Pictures
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Top 20
Dark Comedy Films
#14 Top |
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Parasite (2019)
Act like you
own the place
Director: Gong Joon-ho, rated R for language,
disturbing topics
Starring: Song
Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, Park
So-dam, Lee Jung-eun, Jang Hye-jin
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"So, there's no need for a
plan. You can't go wrong with no plans. We don't need to make a
plan for anything.
It doesn't matter what will happen next. Even
if the country gets destroyed or sold out, nobody cares.
Got
it?" - Ki-Taek
Why watch this? ...
it starts to build, gets crazier,
crazier, until the
jaw-dropping finale.
Plot Summary:
The impoverished Kim family schemes to become employed by the
wealthy Park family, eventually infiltrating their household one
by one by posing as unrelated, highly qualified individuals.
This deception allows the Kims to enjoy the luxurious lifestyle
of the Parks, living off their resources without the Parks
realizing their true intentions. However, this carefully
constructed plan faces a threat when an unexpected discovery
within the Park household destabilizes the Kims' newfound
comfort.
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Dad's Preview:
You'll need to get used to subtitles to watch this Korean film
(called a "black comedy thriller") about a poor Korean family in
Seoul. The entire family schemes their way into the employment
of a wealthy family, the Parks. When the Parks go on vacation,
the Kim's throw a party in the luxurious home. That is just the
beginning! After that, we are taken on a rollercoaster ride into
unexpected, happenings, bordering on surreal. This is the first
non-English film to win the Oscar for Best Picture. Yes - it's
that good! |
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Barunson E&A;
CJ Entertainment
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Top 20
Dark Comedy Films
#13 Top |
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National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
Yule crack up!
Director: Jeremiah S. Chechik, rated PG-13
Starring: Chevy
Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid, Juliette Lewis, Johnny
Galecki, E. G. Marshall, William
Hickey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"WORSE? How could things
get any worse? Take a look around here, Ellen.
We're at the
threshold of hell." –
Clark Griswold
Why watch this? ...
to see Chevy lose this mind after receiving his Jelly of the
Month Christmas bonus.
Plot Summary:
Clark Griswold is determined to create a perfect old-fashioned
family Christmas, complete with a massive light display and a
festive dinner. However, his plans are consistently derailed by
a series of unfortunate events, including a problematic
Christmas tree, dysfunctional relatives, and the delayed arrival
of his expected Christmas bonus. As the holiday descends into
chaos, Clark struggles to maintain his sanity while trying to
find the true meaning of Christmas amidst the mayhem.
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Dad's Preview:
After
European Vacation (1985), I lowered my standards
for the
franchise. However, this side-splitting third film is perhaps the funniest of them all. "The
holidays" is great fodder for comedy. We all want our
Christmas to be perfect, often with unexpected results. The Griswald
family takes holiday prep to a new level of excess. Every scene is hilarious. When
Clark and his multi-generational, highly-dysfunctional family
are chasing the squirrel, destroying the
entire house, oh
man, I can't stop laughing. Still, there is a warmth to sharing
the holidays with them, because in the end, they are us. |
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Hughes Entertainment; Warner Bros.
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Top 20
Dark Comedy Films
#12 Top |
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Blazing Saddles (1974)
Mel Brooks' comic saga of cowboys and imbeciles.
Director: Mel Brooks, rated R racial language, sexual
innuendo
Starring: Clevon
Little, Gene Wilder, Slim Pickens, David Huddleston, Harvey Korman, Madeline Kahn,
Mel Brooks, Alex Karras, Claude E. Starrett Jr., Carol Arthur
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"Where the white women at?"
- Sheriff Bart
Why watch this? ...
because this hilarious comedy could not be made today.
Plot Summary: In
order to drive away the townspeople of Rock Ridge and acquire
their land, a corrupt politician appoints a Black man, Bart, as
their new sheriff, expecting him to be run out of town. However,
the new sheriff, aided by a skilled but troubled gunslinger, The
Waco Kid, defies expectations and rallies the reluctant citizens
to defend their home. Together, they face down a variety of
absurd and dangerous obstacles, ultimately exposing the
villain's scheme.
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Dad's Preview:
How do you talk about racism in 1974? You make a comedy about it, of
course! Then you set it in the most racist chapter of American
history - the Old West. Thank you, Mel Brooks. Oh, it's
funny, like off the charts funny. It also would never have
happened this way in real life. That absurdity makes the
whole thing even more humorous. The white townsfolk serve as the
film's "comic relief", turning the
typical Western trope on its head. Clevon Little
and Gene Wilder are wisely allowed to steal the show. Madeline Kahn
is at her loveable, sleazy best. Warning - the "N" word is used...
a lot. |
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Crossbow Productions;
Warner Bros.
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Top 20
Dark Comedy Films
#11 Top |
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Tremors (1990)
The monster
movie that breaks new ground.
Director: Ron Underwood, rated PG-13 for sci-fi
violence, mild gore
Starring: Kevin
Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter, Michael Gross, Reba McEntire,
Bobby Jacoby, Tony Genaro, Ariana Richards, Richard Marcus
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"Run for it? Running is not
a plan. Running is what you do when a plan fails!" - Earl
Why watch this?
Gigantic, underground, man-eating worms! That's a hard YES for me.
Plot Summary: Set in
the remote desert town of Perfection, Nevada, two handymen, Val
and Earl, decide to leave their dull lives. Before they can
depart, strange tremors and a series of mysterious deaths
suggest a dangerous threat lurks beneath the surface. Along with
other residents, including a seismologist and a survivalist
couple, they must fight to survive against unseen, giant
creatures that hunt by sensing vibrations.
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Dad's Preview:
I cannot say enough about Kevin Bacon. In
Animal House
(1978) I hated him as a snobby frat boy. He has since earned
my respect. He
certainly is a hard-working actor. This monster film hits the right blend of horror/gore, action and comedy from start to finish.
Scientifically it's preposterous, so don't waste your time
trying to make it make sense. Just go with it. Fred Ward also
shines as
Bacon's hillbilly sidekick, Earl. The two become unlikely
protectors as giant worms threaten a small, desert hamlet.
Despite the topic, the film is well-done and very fun to watch. |
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No Frills Prod.,
Pacific Western Prod.;
Universal Pictures
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Top 20
Dark Comedy Films
#10 Top |
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Being There (1979)
Life
is a state of mind.
Director: Hal Ashby, rated PG for language
Starring: Peter
Sellers, Shirley McLaine, Melvyn Douglas, Jack Warden, Richard
Dysart, Richard Basehart, Than Wyenn, David Clennon
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"As long as the roots
are not severed, all is well.
And all will be well in the
garden." - Chauncey
The Gardener
Why watch this?
It's a creative story about powerful men who see simplicity as wisdom...
which it is.
Plot Summary: A
simple gardener, Chance, is forced to leave the only home he has
ever known after his employer's death. Having only ever see the
world through television and gardening, his quaint observations
are misinterpreted as profound wisdom by those he encounters in
the outside world. Through a series of miscommunications and
societal projections, he finds himself becoming an influential
figure in Washington politics. Chance even gets the ear of the
U.S. President.
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Dad's Preview:
This tale skirts the borderline between what
is and what people want to believe. Nominated for two Academy
Awards, I feel this film was its generation's
Forrest Gump
(1994).
It's an American story told through the life of a
simpleton, who many feel is a genius. As a
film pre-viewer, I ask that you be patient, and let this
slow-burn film
develop. Your reward will be a thought-provoking film ending,
and perhaps a little added wisdom. |
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Lorimar
Productions; United Artists
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Top 20
Dark Comedy Films
#9 Top |
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The Apartment
(1960)
Movie-wise, there has never been anything like "THE
APARTMENT"
love-wise, laugh-wise or otherwise-wise!
Director: Billy Wilder, rated PG
Starring: Shirley
McLaine, Jack Lemmon, Fred MacMurray, Ray Walston, David Lewis,
Jack Kruschen, Edie Adams, Hope Holiday
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"When you're in love with a
married man, you shouldn't wear mascara." -
Fran Kubelik
Why watch this? What
did romance look like in the '50's? This charming film sheds
some insight.
Plot Summary: C.C.
"Bud" Baxter is a lonely man working at a large insurance
company. He tries to climb the corporate ladder by lending his
apartment key to executives for their extramarital affairs. This
arrangement complicates matters when he falls for an elevator
operator, Fran Kubelik, who becomes involved with his
manipulative boss.
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Dad's Preview:
Once I discovered this gem, it grew on me. In this romantic comedy-drama,
Shirley McLaine and
Jack Lemon are so stinkin' loveable. They are two lost souls,
doing what they can, to navigate through the ruthless high-rise office culture. Both are
being used by those with power over their jobs. That's why you will root for
Bud and Fran, hoping they can somehow find a way to each other,
and the love they both deserve. |
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The
Mirisch Co.; United Artists
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Top 20
Dark Comedy Films
#8 Top |
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Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
A Film from
Daniels
Directors: Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert, rated R for some language,
adult themes, violence
Starring:
Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ke Huy Quan,
James Hong, Tallie Medel, Jenny Slate, Harry Shum Jr., Biff Wiff,
Sunita Mani, Brian Le
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Every rejection,
every disappointment has led you here to this moment." -
Waymond Wang
Why watch this?
There are mind-trip films - then there is this chaotic eye-candy.
Plot Summary:
This mind-bending story centers on Evelyn Wang, a laundromat
owner who feels her life has been filled with missed
opportunities and regrets. During a stressful IRS audit, she
discovers, with help from her husband, the existence of the
multi-verse. To her amazement, she can access the memories,
skills, and experiences of her alternative selves across
countless universes. Evelyn is tasked with using these newfound
abilities to fight against a powerful being threatening to
destroy the multiverse, while also navigating complex family
relationships, particularly with her daughter, Joy.
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Dad's Preview:
I read about this film, and
purchased the Blu-ray disc before seeing it. I was THAT sure
a) it would be great, and b) I would love it. Both were correct.
It's unlike any film I have ever seen, anywhere, anytime. It was
nominated for 11 Oscars, winning 7 including Best Picture,
Director, Actress (Yeoh), Supporting Actor (Quan), Supporting
Actress (Curtis), Original Screenplay and Editing. It is one
hell of a genre-crossing, reality-bending mind-trip. Wow.
Simply, wow. |
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IAC Films,
Gozie AGBO, Year of
the Rat,
Ley Line Ent.; A24
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Genres:
Action-Comedy,
Adv-Swordplay,
Comedy-Adv,
Animation-CGI,
Comedy-Dark,
Dramedy-Family,
Fantasy-Comedy,
Fantasy-Contemporary,
Fantasy-Drama,
Fantasy-Low,
Sci-fi-Comedy,
Sci-fi-Time-Travel
Dad's
Genres:
Queer-Tier,
Tough-Gals |
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Top 20
Dark Comedy Films
#7 Top |
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American Beauty (1999)
...
look closer
Director: Sam Mendes, rated R strong sexuality,
nudity, language, violence
Starring: Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Mena
Suvari, Wes Bentley, Allison Janney, Peter Gallagher, Chris
Cooper
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"I feel like I've been in a
coma for the past twenty years. And I'm just now waking up." –
Lester Burnham
Why watch this? It's such a uniquely American tragedy, both beautiful and brutally
painful.
Plot Summary:
Lester Burnham is a man slogging through a suburban marriage,
and a midlife crisis, who becomes infatuated with his daughter's
best friend. This sexual obsession leads him to question and
significantly change his life, including his career and his
relationships. These changes are a bit too radical for his wife
to handle.
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Dad's Preview:
This film takes a critical look at the American way of life, and
how the insatiable quest for material happiness can screw people
up. We have a man in the midst of a mid-life crisis. His
tightly wound wife is losing her mind, and having an affair. Their
teenage daughter desperately just wants
to be seen. Their neighbor is a hard-ass ex-military man, who's
hell-bent on toughing up his sensitive son. Mix this all together, and the
result is a cinematic climax you won't soon forget. |
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Jinks/Cohen Co.; DreamWorks Pictures
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Top 20
Dark Comedy Films
#6 Top |
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The Truman Show
(1998)
The World is
Watching
Director: Peter Weir, rated PG
Starring: Jim
Carrey, Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich, Natascha McElhone, Holland
Taylor, Ed Harris
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"We accept the reality of
the world with which we are presented, it's as simple as that."
- Christof
Why watch this?
This is a masterpiece for director Peter Weir and star Jim Carrey.
Plot Summary: Truman
Burbank is an average man who lives a seemingly normal life in a
picturesque town. Unknown to him, his entire world is a
meticulously constructed set, and everyone he knows – his
family, friends, and neighbors – are actors in a
globally-televised reality show called The Truman Show. As
strange occurrences begin to disrupt his routine, Truman slowly
starts to question the reality of his existence and seeks to
discover the truth about his life.
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Dad's Preview:
This is exactly the kind of reality-bending film that attracts me.
Truman is the unknowing star of a TV show about his fabricated
life. He lives in a bubble, all his interactions are with
actors. This "project" is the vision of the mysterious Christof. There is
so much wrong with this concept, but hey, the ratings are
through the roof. Truman starts to wonder
about his life, and wants more. It's creative, brilliant and deeply
thought-provoking. Carey dials down the zany antics and it
really pays off. |
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Scott Rudin
Prod.; Paramount Pictures
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Top 20
Dark Comedy Films
#5 Top |
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Office Space (1999)
Work sucks.
Director: Mike Judge, rated R for language, crude
humor
Starring:
Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, Stephen Root, Gary Cole, John
C. McGinley, David
Herman, Ajay Naidu, Diedrich Bader, Richard Riehle, Alexandra
Wentworth, Greg Pitts
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#45 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review of Office Space
"Human beings were not
meant to sit in little cubicles staring at computer screens all
day, filling out useless
forms and listening to eight different
bosses drone on about mission statements!" - Peter Gibbons
Why watch this? ...
a whole generation of US workers filled corporate buildings...
this is for them...
Plot Summary:
Peter Gibbons, a disgruntled software engineer at the
soul-crushing company Initech, feels trapped in the monotonous
cycle of his unfulfilling job. After a series of misfortunes,
including his hypno-therapist's unexpected demise, Peter finds
himself in a state of blissful indifference towards his work.
This newfound apathy leads to a series of unexpected events that
challenge the oppressive corporate structure, including a
blossoming romance and a daring plan concocted with his equally
frustrated coworkers, Samir and Michael.
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Dad's Preview:
For 40 years I slaved away at the oars of this ship. Don't get
me wrong, corporations aren't all bad - they do pay well and
provide adequate retirement funds for millions of people. But they are far
from perfect, and they're getting worse. This dark comedy nicely sums it up in a neat little
package. Corporations are chock full of comedic fodder, and this
film hits it most of them: stupid initiatives, worthless classes
on improving productivity, bad managers, lay-offs,
even that one guy with too much affection for his red stapler...
you know that guy! |
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Judgmental Films;
20th Century Fox
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Top 20
Dark Comedy Films
#4 Top |
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Sideways (2004)
In
Search of Wine. In Search of Women. In Search of Themselves.
Director: Alexander Payne, rated R for language, sex,
nudity
Starring: Paul Giamatti,
Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, Sandra Oh, Marylouise Burke,
Jessica Hecht, MC Gainey
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#42 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of Sideways
"Half my life is over
and I have nothing to show for it. Nothing. I am a thumbprint on
the window of a skyscraper.
I'm a smudge of excrement on a
tissue surging out to sea with a million tons of raw sewage." –
Miles
Why watch this?
... comedy, wine, romance, golf, depression, infidelity, more
wine...
Plot Summary:
Two middle-aged friends, Miles and Jack, are on a week-long road
trip through California's Santa Barbara wine country as a
celebration of Jack's upcoming wedding. Miles, a wine enthusiast
and struggling writer, hopes for a peaceful escape from his
recent divorce and stalled career. Jack, a carefree actor, is
more focused on having one last fling before getting married.
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Dad's Preview:
Set in Santa Barbara wine country, this film's heart is
wine-tasting, however its soul is the relationship between two
best friends, Miles and Jack. One is an intelligent, yet struggling
writer and divorcee. The other is an over-confident, calloused, has-been
actor. They are nothing alike. They fight a lot, as many best
friends do, and they are often brutally
honest with each other. Yet deep down, the lugs love each other. Giamatti is
quickly becoming my go-to actor, and Haden Church never
disappoints. |
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Michael London
Productions;
Fox Searchlight Pictures
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Top 20
Dark Comedy Films
#3 Top |
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Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
A family on
the verge of a breakdown
Directors: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris, rated R
for language, adult topics
Starring:
Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell,
Toni Collette, Paul Dano, Abigail Breslin, Alan Arkin, Bryan Cranston,
Beth Grant
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#33 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of Little Miss
Sunshine
"I'd like to dedicate
this to my grandpa, who showed me these moves." - Olive
Hoover
Why watch this?
Imagine the family road trip from hell. Then multiply it by 100.
Plot Summary:
The Hoover family embarks on a chaotic cross-country road trip
to get their young daughter, Olive, to the Little Miss Sunshine
beauty pageant in California. Along the way, the eccentric
family faces a series of setbacks and personal struggles that
force them to re-evaluate their notions of success and
happiness. The journey culminates in Olive's unconventional
performance at the pageant.
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Dad's Preview:
This film is a superb ode to the wonderfulness that resides in
families that are blessed to be 'non-normal'. I am proud to say
this fits my family. Here, each family member is thoroughly fleshed
out, and it's pretty clear that every one of them (except sweet tween Olive) is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Together
they load up their yellow VW van to take Olive to compete in
the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant. You will laugh until
you cry during this dysfunction-laden road trip. It's pure
genius - mostly because it reminds many of us of our own family dynamics
(aka disasters). |
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Big Beach Films,
Bona Fide Prod., Third
Gear Prod.;
Fox Searchlight Pictures
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Top 20
Dark Comedy Films
#2 Top |
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Monty Python and the Holy Grail
(1975)
Sets the Cinema
Back 900 Years!
Directors: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, rated PG for
mild violence, rabbit-induced gore
Starring:
Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Connie
Booth, Carol Cleveland, Neil Innes, Bee Duffell
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#22 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Rabbit Hole of Monty Python
and the Holy Grail
"We better not risk
another frontal assault. That rabbit's dynamite!" - King
Arthur
Why watch this? This
irreverent, Medieval comedy from Python is legendary.
Plot Summary:
King Arthur gathers his Knights of the Round Table and is
instructed by God to embark on a quest to find the Holy Grail.
Their journey is filled with absurd and surreal encounters,
including taunting French soldiers, the Black Knight, a killer
rabbit, and the Knights Who Say Ni. The film follows their
individual and collective misadventures as they brave various
obstacles in pursuit of the mythical relic.
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Dad's Preview:
This may seem adolescent, but I am certain there is genius
within some offensive comedies. Said genius is on par with
classic films, the likes of
Casablanca (1942),
Pulp Fiction
(1994),
Tucker & Dale
vs. Evil (2010). However, critics will always dismiss these
gems as
"in poor taste", "vulgar" or "you need therapy". I get it - not classy enough... One too
many jokes about flatulence. Fie! What a disservice! Holy
Grail is entertaining from start to finish. It will always
make ME laugh, and therein lies its genius. |
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Python Pictures,
Michael White Prod., National
Film Trustee Co; EMI Films
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Genres:
Adv-Swordplay,
Animation-Live-Action,
Comedy-Adv,
Comedy-Dark,
Comedy-Parody,
Comedy-Physical,
Comedy-Satire,
Fantasy-Adv,
Fantasy-Comedy,
Fantasy-Low,
Historical-Fantasy,
Musical-Comedy,
War-Medieval
Dad's Genres:
Likable-Irreverence, |
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Top 20
Dark Comedy Films
#1 Top |
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Fargo (1996)
a homespun
murder story
Director: Joel and Ethan Coen,
rated R
for strong violence, language, sexuality
Starring:
Frances McDormand, William
H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, Harve Presnell, Peter Stormare
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#12
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Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of Fargo
"Sir, you have
no call to get snippy with me. I'm just doing my job here." - Marge
Gunderson
Why watch this?
Brutal violence. Quirky characters. As only the Coen brothers can.
Plot Summary:
Desperate for money, a Minnesota car salesman hires two men to
kidnap his wife, intending to extort a ransom from her wealthy
father. The seemingly foolproof scheme quickly unravels as
events take a violent turn, leading to multiple deaths. A
pregnant police chief in Brainerd, Minnesota, launches a
tenacious investigation to uncover the truth behind the
escalating crimes.
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Dad's Preview:
It's hard to hit the 'sweet spot' with a film that is extremely violent,
yet occasionally humorous. This is Fargo's genius. Its
plot centers on a
kidnapping-gone-wrong, and a series of related brutal, cold-blooded
murders. Yet, half the time, I am chuckling at the odd
mannerisms of the overly-nice, Mid-Western yokels. Frances McDormand
became a household name, portraying the 7-month-pregnant Police Chief Marge Gunderson, who
never loses her cool, even when she apprehends murderous
criminals. William H. Macy also excels as a regular guy,
Jerry Lundergaard, who thinks it is a good idea to have
his wife abducted, so that he can obtain the ransom
money. |
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Working
Title Films; Gramercy Pictures
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