Top 10 black comedies - the best controversial funny films

For those looking to explore the dark comedy genre or find something new within it, here are my top 10 picks that I believe are the best examples of black comedy done well.

The black comedy genre is one that deals with taboo or controversial subjects in a lighthearted, satirical, or funny manner. Because of this, it is often criticised heavily. However, I think it is incredibly important to explore subjects like murder, mental illness, war, sex, and politics through the medium of film; and often, humour is a brilliant way to do so. It is one of my favourite genres of film but is one which I always find is less discussed than it deserves. Hence, I have compiled a list of what I think are the best dark comedies I have ever watched. From 60s satire to 90s dramas to more recent additions, these are my top 10 black comedy movies. 

1. Naked (1993)

The black comedy/drama ‘Naked’ features David Thewlis as Johnny, an unemployed cynic from Manchester who embarks on a nighttime adventure through the streets of London. After an uncomfortable reconciliation with an ex-lover and her suggestive housemate, Johnny rampages, agonizes, and philosophizes his way through a series of unsuspecting strangers. Directed by Mike Leigh, ‘Naked’ is intelligently hilarious as it reveals the intimacies and secrets of the people uncaring Johnny encounters. ‘Naked’ will make you cringe, laugh out loud, and perhaps even cry at its unflinching portrayal of the human condition. 

2. Welcome to the Dollhouse (1995) 

‘Welcome to the Dollhouse’ is directed by Todd Solondz, who has created some of the most controversial but hilarious dark comedies I’ve ever watched. You can read my review of his 1998 film ‘Happiness’ here. Solondz’s earlier film ‘Welcome to the Dollhouse’ follows the trials and tribulations of Dawn Weiner. Played by Heather Matarazzo, Dawn is an awkward middle-schooler who finds it hard to fit in both at home and at school. Shocking and bleak, this coming-of-age film subverts the idealized conventions of its genre in a way that is both difficult to watch yet surprisingly funny. If you are looking for an edgier black comedy, ‘Welcome to the Dollhouse’ is the film for you. 

3. Frank (2014) 

One of the more underrated black comedies on this list, the 2014 independent film ‘Frank’ is both satirical and touching. Domhnall Gleeson plays Jon, an aspiring musician with little talent who gets caught up in the experimental band ‘Soronprfbs,’ whose lead singer Frank is never seen without a giant fake head. Loosely based on English musician and comedian Frank Sidebottom, ‘Frank’ is a tender portrayal of mental illness and creativity. Incredibly entertaining with depressing undertones, ‘Frank’ is fraught with interpersonal difficulties, oddly compelling musical performances, and is worth a watch for any lover of black comedy. 

4. After Hours (1985) 

The 1985 dark comedy ‘After Hours’ follows an ordinary New York man who experiences the most bizarre night of his life after embarking on a date with a stranger. Paul Hackett, who is played by Griffin Dunne, becomes engaged in a chain of increasingly unfortunate, nightmarish events that are both Kafkaesque and absurd. Directed by Martin Scorsese, ‘After Hours’ is very dark, very funny, and alluringly stylish. Considered by Roger Ebert to be a nearly flawless example of pure filmmaking, Scorsese’s black comedy masterpiece hooks you in from the start and will keep you hooked until the very end. 

5. Ghost World (2001) 

‘Ghost World’ is a quirky coming-of-age black comedy that tells the story of two best friends, Enid, who is played by Thora Birch, and Rebecca, played by Scarlet Johansson. Deeply cynical and harboring a special hatred for their peers, the two girls' friendship is changed forever when they take different paths after finishing high school. This indie dark comedy is understated yet oddly beautiful, as its main character Enid navigates loneliness and disappointment armed with an ironic sense of humour and a determination to never conform. ‘Ghost World’ is one of a kind and filled with subtleties that make it even better on a second watch. 

6. Man Bites Dog (1992) 

The 1992 Belgian crime black comedy ‘Man Bites Dog’ is perhaps the most unusual film on this list. Presented as a mockumentary, we see a camera crew follow and document the pursuits of serial killer Ben, who is played by Benoît Poelvoorde. Over the course of the film, we observe everything from Ben’s prolific career as a murderer, to encounters with his family, to his musings on life in general. Passively complicit, the documentary team gradually become implicated and involved with the murders as the film progresses. ‘Man Bites Dog’ has an offbeat, subtle humour to it that makes it a deliciously sinister dark comedy. 

7. The Death of Stalin (2017) 

Armando Iannucci’s ‘The Death of Stalin’ is, above all else, incredibly funny. An absurdist satirical comedy, this 2017 film takes place in Russia in 1953 following the death of Joseph Stalin. Due to the power vacuum left behind by the omnipotent leader, a massive power struggle ensues. Featuring Steve Buscemi as Khrushchev and Jeffrey Tambor as Malenkov, this take on the fight to become the next Soviet leader is equal parts intelligent and hilarious. I cannot recommend ‘The Death of Stalin’ enough for people who enjoy the more light-hearted side of the black comedy genre. 

8. Thank You for Smoking (2005) 

‘Thank You for Smoking’ is another excellent piece of satire that addresses controversial issues in an upbeat manner. This 2005 black comedy tells the story of Nick Naylor, a tobacco lobbyist who attempts to balance his love for his job with being an appropriate role model for his young son. 'Thank You for Smoking’ does a great job at being as objective as possible when dealing with the topic of smoking, as well as a plethora of other subjects such as advertising, consumerism, and morality. As shocking as it can be, ‘Thank You for Smoking’ is guaranteed to make you laugh. 

9. American Beauty (1999) 

The romantic dark comedy ‘American Beauty’ is nothing short of a cult classic, whether you love it or hate it. Lester Burnham, played by Kevin Spacey, is a man with a seemingly perfect life and family. Slipping into a state of depression, Lester lusts after his daughter’s best friend Angela, a gorgeous but underage cheerleader. As deeply affecting as it is controversial, ‘American Beauty’ utilises a strange kind of humour to highlight the complexity of its characters and their struggles. However, the seriousness of this film’s message should not be ignored, as absurdly thought-provoking as it is. 

10. Dr. Strangelove (1964) 

‘Dr. Strangelove,’ otherwise known as ‘Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb’ is my personal favourite on this list. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, this 1964 dark comedy makes hilarious yet terrifying satire out of the Cold War, and the possibility of a nuclear conflict between the Soviet Union and the United States. When a loose cannon American general puts the entire world at threat from nuclear war, the President, various officers, and Soviet ambassadors must work together to attempt to prevent it. Words cannot express how hilarious ‘Dr. Strangelove’ is, which is incredibly impressive considering how chilling its subject matter is. Kubrick’s black comedy masterpiece is a must-watch for any lover of the genre. 

If you enjoyed this, you can read more Films To Watch Before You Die lists here.